FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 6421
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 10 L 16
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Allowing authorized health care providers to prescribe epinephrine autoinjectors.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senators Ranker, Becker, McAuliffe and Mullet).
Senate Committee on Health Care
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Background: An epinephrine autoinjector is a medical device used to deliver a single dose of epinephrine or adrenaline. Most epinephrine autoinjectors are spring-loaded syringes used for the treatment of acute allergic reactions to avoid or treat the onset of anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a serious allergic reaction with rapid onset and may cause death. Common causes include insect bites or stings, foods, and medications. Common symptoms include an itchy rash, throat swelling, and low blood pressure.
School districts and nonpublic schools may maintain at a school, in a designated location, a supply of epinephrine autoinjectors. A licensed health professional with the authority to prescribe epinephrine autoinjectors may prescribe epinephrine autoinjectors in the name of the school district or school to be maintained for use when necessary.
Summary: Prescribing health care practitioners may prescribe epinephrine autoinjectors to restaurants, recreation camps, youth sports leagues, amusement parks, colleges, universities, and sports arenas. These entities or organizations may acquire and stock a supply of epinephrine autoinjectors if they are stored in an area that is accessible in an emergency and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and Department of Health (DOH) requirements.
Employees of an entity or organization must complete a training program before they are able to administer an epinephrine autoinjector. The entity or organization and its employees are not liable for damages due to use of an epinephrine autoinjector so long as their acts do not constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
Incidents of use of an epinephrine autoinjector must be reported to DOH and DOH must publish an annual report that summarizes use of epinephrine autoinjectors by entities or organizations.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 48 | 0 | |
House | 96 | 1 |
Effective: | June 9, 2016 |