Pennsylvania Governor Signs Elijah's Law Into Effect

New legislation requires childcare centers to stock epinephrine and train staff on anaphylaxis emergency protocols.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Allergies

Flat gouache-painted illustration of a safety injection device on a shelf, symbolizing health preparedness in childcare settings. — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation requiring childcare facilities to maintain epinephrine supplies and ensure staff are trained to handle anaphylaxis emergencies. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 928, mandating that childcare facilities implement anaphylaxis training and maintain a supply of epinephrine devices. The law aims to enhance safety for children in daycare settings facing severe allergic reactions.

Why it matters

The legislation seeks to prevent fatal outcomes by ensuring childcare staff are prepared to recognize symptoms and treat allergic emergencies immediately. This law aligns Pennsylvania with national efforts to protect young children with food allergies.

Pennsylvania is the eighth state to adopt a version of Elijah's Law, which honors 3-year-old Elijah-Alavi Silvera. Facilities must provide safety materials to parents in both English and Spanish.

The players

Josh Shapiro

He is the Governor of Pennsylvania who signed House Bill 928 into law.

Elijah-Alavi Silvera

He was a 3-year-old child whose death from anaphylaxis inspired the legislative movement known as Elijah's Law.

The details

Under the new law, childcare workers must complete comprehensive training covering anaphylaxis recognition and emergency response procedures. Facilities are also required to provide guardians with clear documentation on allergic reaction protocols.

2017: Elijah-Alavi Silvera died of anaphylaxis.
2019: New York passed the original Elijah's Law.
October 21, 2026: Pennsylvania legislature passed House Bill 928.
April 2027: The new law goes into effect in Pennsylvania.

The Big Picture

The adoption of this measure follows the precedent set by Elijah's Law, which has been implemented in eight states to standardize allergy safety in childcare environments. Pennsylvania joins a growing national movement to codify emergency response requirements for young children in group care settings.

Parents of children with food allergies can expect increased safety standards at licensed childcare facilities across the state starting next spring. These changes ensure staff are equipped to handle severe allergic emergencies promptly.

The takeaway

This legislation provides a critical safety layer for families managing food allergies in young children. Caregivers should inquire with their local providers about current staff training status and updated emergency action plans to ensure readiness before the state-mandated deadline.