Transportation Laws

"Emergency Medical Services Epinephrine Law"

Requires ambulance and aid services to carry epinephrine for administration by emergency medical technicians. Note: This does not apply to commercial airline cabin crews.

"Airline Emergency Medical Kit Update"

Requires the FAA to update airline emergency medical kits (EMKs) to include epinephrine auto-injectors and other medications necessary to treat anaphylaxis on commercial flights.

"FAA Reauthorization Act"

Requires the FAA to review and update airline Emergency Medical Kits (EMKs) to ensure they contain appropriate medications for treating anaphylaxis and requires flight crew training on kit contents and administration.

"ACAA"

Prohibits discrimination against air travelers with disabilities, which has been interpreted to include those with severe food allergies and asthma, requiring airlines to provide reasonable accommodations.

"FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024"

Requires the FAA to issue a new rulemaking to update Emergency Medical Kits (EMKs) on commercial aircraft. Specifically mandates the inclusion of epinephrine auto-injectors (both adult and pediatric doses) and replaces antiquated vials/syringes that flight attendants cannot easily use. It also requires a review of asthma medications in kits.

"FAA Emergency Medical Kit Rule (FAA-2026-9178)"

The FAA's proposed rule (Docket FAA-2026-9178) would eliminate the prescriptive list of required items in airline emergency medical kits (EMKs) and first aid kits, replacing it with a performance-based requirement that lets each airline decide what to stock. While the FAA says this 'modernizes' the kits, the proposal only states that treatment for anaphylaxis 'could include' epinephrine — it does not require modern epinephrine auto-injectors or nasal spray. AAFA, FARE, the American Medical Association, and Senators Duckworth and Schumer are urging the FAA to mandate FDA-approved epinephrine delivery devices on every flight. Public comments are open until October 5, 2026.

"FAA Emergency Medical Kit Rulemaking"

FAA proposed regulatory framework under the FAA Reauthorization Act governing airline emergency medical kits across all commercial passenger carriers serving Texas airports, addressing performance standards for treating nine in-flight emergencies including anaphylaxis.

"Airline Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act"

Directs the FAA to require commercial airlines operating flights (including flights originating or landing in Texas) to carry at least two packs of epinephrine auto-injectors and ensure flight crewmembers are trained on symptom recognition and auto-injector administration.

"Airline Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act"

Proposed federal law to require airlines to carry epinephrine auto-injectors in emergency medical kits and train flight crews on recognizing and treating anaphylaxis.

"DOT Southwest Allergy Ruling"

Clarifies that the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) requires airlines to provide accommodations, such as pre-boarding, for passengers with nut allergies, though it notes a lack of explicit federal guidance for non-nut food allergies.

"Airline Allergy Preboarding Guidance"

U.S. DOT order clarifying that airlines must permit passengers with severe food allergies to preboard to wipe down seating areas to prevent contact reactions, as part of the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.

"Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel"

The ACAA prohibits airlines from discriminating against passengers with "physical or mental impairments" that substantially limit a major life activity (which includes breathing and immune system function). This includes food allergies and asthma. It requires airlines to allow passengers to board early to wipe down seats and requires the accommodation of medical devices like portable oxygen concentrators and nebulizers.