The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses (RNs) in all settings and roles across Ontario. It is the strong, credible voice leading the nursing profession to influence and promote healthy public policy. RNAO appreciates this opportunity to provide our written submission on Bill 135, Ryan’s Law (Ensuring Asthma Friendly Schools), 2013.
On December 17, 2013, RNAO sent an Open Letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne and key MPPs from all three parties, including members of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, with two key suggestions on improving student safety by strengthening Bill 135 (enclosed). RNAO reiterates the point made by MPPs from all three parties during debate that Ryan’s Law would be even stronger if it were to include other life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy. Our hope is that a more comprehensive approach might prevent having to introduce another law that bears the name of another child’s tragic death—like Ryan’s Law or Sabrina’s Law.