Stock Epinephrine

The Minnesota Department of Health has information on how and where to obtain non-patient specific epinephrine.

In Minnesota, laws have been passed to allow non-patient-specific epinephrine to be obtained without a doctor's perscription. Specific entities are allowed to utilize this policy in order to be prepared for anaphylactic emergencies.

Who is allowed to stock non-patient-specific epinephrine?

Minnesota Schools are allowed to stock epinephrine under 2013 law.

Minnesota Camps, Colleges and Universities, and Preschools/Daycares are allowed to get non-patient-specific epinephrine under 2015 law.

The 2015 law authorized the Commissioner of Health to add additional categories of entities.  Thus the Minnesota Department of Health allows nursing homes, boarding care homes, home care providers, and food and beverage establishments to have stock non patient specific epinephrine.

What if my entity does not fall into the categories listed?

The Commissioner of the Department of Health can add to the categories listed. If you wish to be added to the list, contact: Division Director's Office, Health Regulation Division; Minnesota Department of Health; P.O. Box 64900; St. Paul, MN 55164-0900.

Where can I obtain non-patient-specific epinephrine?

The injectors or nasal atomizers are available from pharmacies licensed by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (Board) as wholesale drug distributors pursuant to Minn. Stat. section 151.47. Not all pharmacies are licensed as wholesalers. You can use the Board’s Board’s Licensee / Registrant Search to find pharmacies that are licensed as wholesalers. You can call also your local community or hospital pharmacy to inquire if they are licensed as wholesaler.

The Minnesota Pharmacy Association, the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, AFAA, and epinephrine manufacturers are working to inform pharmacies about the new law.

Why should entities stock non-patient-specific epinephrine?

Anaphylactic emergencies are never planned. Whether from an insect bite, or a first-time reaction to food (25% of reactions in schools are first-time reactions), or occurring in a remote location far from emergency medical services (e.g. camps, field trips, etc), seconds count when treating an allergic reaction. Stock epinephrine has saved lives, and it is sensible for entities to obtain and stock it.

What are my liabilities?

The use of an epinephrine auto-injector or nasal atomizer under this law is covered by the good Samaritan liability protections.

How do I obtain non-patient-specific epinephrine?

For schools, a representative such as a nurse coordinator may go to a wholesale pharmacy or obtain them from a manufacturer of epinephrine autoinjecters.

For Camps, Colleges and Universities, Preschools/Daycares: these entities must provide a certificate to a wholesale pharmacy proving completion of a training program. While a license is not required, an entity's designated employee must undergo training every two years.

A number of organizations are authorized to provide training.  They are listed at the MN Department of Health website.

How many epinephrine auto-injectors do I need?

There is no requirement for the number of epinephrine devices that an entity must obtain and have on-hand. This is strictly up to the entity. In deciding, consider that a dose of epinephrine "buys time" until an ambulance can arrive, and each dose generally will be effective for 10-20 minutes.

Who pays for the epinephrine auto-injectors?

It is up to the entity to pay for the epinephrine devices.

What is included in AFAA training?

AFAA's Speakers' Bureau has provided training and presentations since 2002.  AFAA Speakers will tailor training presentations to the audience and the allotted time.  Topics to choose:

  • 504 & Individualized Health Plans;

  • 504 Team Composition;

  • Allergic Symptoms;

  • Classroom Allergen Management;

  • Cleaning Protocols;

  • Cross Reactivity;

  • Cross-Contact;

  • Definition of Food Allergies In Contrast to other medical conditions (E.G. Celiac Disease, Lactose Intolerance);

  • Emergency Management;

  • Epinephrine Autoinjector Training;

  • FALCPA;

  • Food Allergy Bullying;

  • Fpies and Eosinophilic Disorders;

  • Inclusiveness;

  • Kitchen Allergen Management;

  • Physiology of an Allergic Reaction;

  • Policy Development (school; local; state; federal);

  • Product Labeling;

  • Research Developments;

  • Recognition of Anaphylaxis;

  • Statistics;

  • Storage of Epinephrine;

  • Stress Management;

  • Testing;

  • USFDA Food Code

Contact AFAA to request an in-service training session or presentation to your group!

Who should I contact if I have further questions?

You may email AFAA, or you may email Susan Winkelmann at the Minnesota Department of Health.

The 2015 law authorized the Commissioner of Health to add additional categories of entities.  Thus the Minnesota Department of Health allows nursing homes, boarding care homes, home care providers, and food and beverage establishments to have stock non patient specific epinephrine.