Illinois law removes barrier for schoolchildren who need asthma medications

Are children who have asthma allowed to take their meds when they go to school?

Now they are, but it’s complicated. It wasn’t until 2010 that the last of the 50 states (North Dakota) enacted legislation for what’s sometimes referred to as “self-carry” laws, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics. But laws vary from state to state, some requiring the child to have a letter from a doctor. (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a roundup of some legislation by state.)

The Chicago Tribune reports on a new Illinois law that goes into effect this school year that allows children to use asthma medications without having to provide a note from a doctor. Read the full story “More asthma inhalers going to school.”

--Mary Forgione