"Elijah's Law"
Elijah's Law (Virginia)
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Summary
Virginia law requiring child care facilities to implement food allergy safety protocols and stock epinephrine. Named for Elijah-Alavi Silvera who died in November 2017 after being fed a grilled cheese sandwich at his NYC daycare despite a known dairy allergy.
Full Description
Virginia passed its version of Elijah's Law (SB 737) in 2022. The bill requires early childhood care and education entities to have policies for the administration of epinephrine and management of food allergies. It was named in memory of Elijah-Alavi Silvera, who died in November 2017 after being fed a grilled cheese sandwich at his NYC preschool despite a known severe dairy allergy. The law was championed by his parents, Thomas Silvera and Dina Hawthorne-Silvera, through the Elijah-Alavi Foundation.
Key Provisions
1. Requires child care entities to have epinephrine administration policies. 2. Mandates food allergy safety protocols. 3. Requires staff training. 4. Named for Elijah-Alavi Silvera who died in November 2017 after being fed a grilled cheese sandwich despite a known dairy allergy.
Who This Bill Serves & Who's Backing It
Core Patient Populations
People with food allergies — including children, students, and their families.
Advocacy Groups Backing This Legislation
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Legislative Timeline
Votes & Legislative History
School Nutrition/Meal: Prohibit Food Dyes
An Act prohibiting certain food additives in public school meals
Prohibits the use of certain food additives (dyes) in public school meals to improve student health and reduce potential allergic or adverse reactions.
Maryland Emergency Use Epinephrine Program
Emergency Use Epinephrine Program
Authorizes participating facilities, including childcare settings, to obtain, store, and administer emergency epinephrine to individuals experiencing anaphylaxis.
Alaska Epinephrine Training Law
Prescription, purchase, and administration of epinephrine by a trained individual
Authorizes individuals who have completed a state-approved training program to obtain a prescription for, purchase, and administer epinephrine in emergency situations where a medical professional is not available.
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