Pennsylvania HB928: What Child Care Owners Need to Know About Epi-Pens

Most Pennsylvania child care owners don't realize that a provision tucked into HB928 has already shifted their legal obligations around epinephrine auto-injectors. What was once permitted is now mandated.

What Changed

HB928 amends Pennsylvania's definition and requirements for epinephrine delivery systems in child care facilities. The key change is in Section 3, which modifies § 5503 (page 4 of the bill): child care facilities must now acquire and stock epinephrine auto-injectors. The language shifts from permissive—facilities "may" obtain them—to mandatory: facilities "shall" obtain them.

This is not a suggestion. It is a direct compliance obligation.

What This Means for Your Facility

If you operate a licensed child care facility in Pennsylvania, you are now required to:

• Procure epinephrine auto-injectors and maintain them in stock
• Designate trained staff responsible for access and administration
• Ensure proper storage according to manufacturer guidelines
• Train all employees on anaphylaxis recognition and response
• Cover the costs of equipment, training, and ongoing maintenance

These are operational and financial obligations that fall directly on your business.

Timeline You Need to Know

The law becomes effective 180 days after enactment of HB928 (Section 4, page 9). That is your compliance deadline. You cannot delay procurement or training until the last week.

The state must develop and distribute informational materials within 90 days of the effective date. Those materials will clarify implementation details, but they come after the law takes effect—not before. Plan ahead.

Who Is Affected

This applies to licensed child care facilities. If you operate a center, family child care home, or group child care home under Pennsylvania licensing, this requirement applies to you. Unlicensed or informal arrangements fall outside the mandate, but licensed providers have no exemption.

Practical Next Steps

Before the 180-day deadline, you should:

• Review your facility's current anaphylaxis and emergency protocols
• Identify which staff members will be trained and designated
• Research epinephrine auto-injector procurement options and costs
• Budget for initial purchase, replacement cycles, and staff training
• Confirm storage conditions meet pharmaceutical requirements
• Update parent communication and consent forms as needed

This is a genuine operational change. It is not optional, and it carries both liability and cost implications.

Where to Get Help

Your trade association or licensing agency can provide facility-specific guidance on compliance timelines and best practices. A detailed compliance checklist for Pennsylvania child care operators is available through industry resources.

Source: HB928, Section 3 (amending § 5503), Section 4 (effective date), pages 4 and 9.