Alabama Senate passes bill requiring daycare center staff to be trained and capable of dealing with anaphylactic shock

March 31, 2026 – The Alabama Senate passed legislation that mandates all licensed day care centers adopt a standardized anaphylactic response policy and requires that employees receive formal training to recognize and respond to severe allergic reactions.

House Bill 332 (HB332) is sponsored by Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris). It was carried in the Senate by Senator Tim Melson (R-Florence).

Melson said that passing this bill "would save lives."

"We have more and more allergens out there," said Sen. Melson.

Melson said that more and more children are allergic to thinks like peanuts, latex, drugs, gluten, drugs, or other foodstuffs that can trigger a sudden allergic response.

HB332 core objective is simple: prevent life‑threatening allergic emergencies in Alabama's day care centers and ensure staff are prepared to act when seconds matter.

Under HB332, the Department of Human Resources (DHR) must create a comprehensive anaphylactic response policy by August 1, 2027. This policy must be developed in consultation with:

- The Alabama Department of Public Health

- The Alabama State Board of Pharmacy

- Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics

These requirements ensure the policy is medically sound, evidence‑based, and aligned with national pediatric standards.

Key Requirements for Day Care Centers

Beginning January 1, 2028, all licensed day care centers that care for more than 12 children must adopt and implement the state's anaphylaxis policy. The law requires centers to:

1. Implement Emergency Protocols

Centers must follow a standardized procedure for responding to suspected anaphylaxis, including:

- Recognizing symptoms

- Administering epinephrine

- Activating emergency medical services

- Documenting and reporting incidents

2. Create Individual Emergency Plans

For children with known allergies, centers must maintain individualized plans outlining:

- Specific allergens

- Prevention strategies

- Emergency steps tailored to the child

3. Notify Parents Annually

Upon enrollment-and every year thereafter-centers must provide parents or guardians with written notice of the anaphylactic response policy.

4. Stock Epinephrine Auto‑Injectors

HB332 authorizes centers to maintain epinephrine auto‑injectors on site, subject to storage and usage rules. The bill also grants liability immunity for staff who administer epinephrine in good faith.

Training Requirements for Employees

All day care employees responsible for child care-not including cooks, janitors, or bus drivers-must complete an approved anaphylaxis training program by August 1, 2027, with retraining required every two years. Training must cover:

- Identifying signs of severe allergic reactions

- Proper use and storage of epinephrine auto‑injectors

- Emergency communication procedures

- Post‑incident reporting

This ensures that every caregiver in Alabama's licensed centers is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in an emergency.

Currently, Alabama had no statewide requirement for day care centers to maintain allergy‑response protocols or ensure staff training. The new law:

- Creates uniform safety standards across all licensed centers

- Reduces the risk of preventable medical emergencies

- Gives parents greater confidence in child‑care environments

- Aligns Alabama with best practices adopted in other states

HB332 passed the Senate 35 to 0.

It now goes to the Governor for her consideration.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)