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Legislation to require nebulizers in athletic programs has just gained ground after Assemblyman Philip Boyle (R-Bay Shore) announced he would write the bill.
Nebulizers are high-grade inhalers, which are used to calm asthma attacks. Both devices administer a spray mist of the drug albuterol for inhalation. Asthma is a "chronic inflammatory condition of the lung's airways." Albuterol works to relax muscles in the lung's airways. Nebulizers, which release a stronger spray of albuterol than inhalers do, are approximately $150.
The difference between nebulizers and inhalers caught Dr. Harvey Miller's attention in 2003, when a Midwestern college football player died of an asthma attack because his inhaler was not strong enough. Dr. Miller is an allergy, asthma and immunology specialist, who has been working to convince legislators to adopt nebulizer legislation for athletic programs for the last eight years.
His crusade is now picking up speed. Several medical institutions have backed his call, including the Suffolk County Medical Society and the Nassau University Medical Center. This, in turn, has caught the attention of legislators.
Legislation is still in its early stages and faces a number of challenges, among which is the question of funding. However, a clear precedent for this law exists: automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which are required in all schools.
Each year, roughly 4500 people die of asthma and the numbers seem to be climbing. No state as of yet has a nebulizer law.
If you would like more information about how medical malpractice and accident cases work in the state of New York, I encourage you to explore my educational website. If you have legal questions, pick up the phone and call me at 516-487-8207 or by e-mail at lawmed10@yahoo.com to answer your questions. That's what I do every day. I welcome your call.
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