H-1379.2  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 1992

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      56th Legislature     1999 Regular Session

By Representatives Ballasiotes, Schual‑Berke and Rockefeller

Read first time 02/12/1999.  Referred to Committee on Health Care.

Allowing a certified emergency medical technician to administer epinephrine.

    AN ACT Relating to the emergency administration of epinephrine; adding new sections to chapter 18.73 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 18.73 RCW to read as follows:

    Upon successful completion of a department approved specialized training course that is equivalent to the training standards provided to intermediate life support technicians for administering epinephrine 1:1000 premeasured, a certified emergency medical technician may carry and administer a prefilled measured dose of epinephrine 1:1000 to patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory distress due to anaphylaxis.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 18.73 RCW to read as follows:

    The department of health shall develop and approve a course of specialized training for emergency medical technicians on the proper use and administration of epinephrine.  The department may establish a volunteer technical advisory committee to assist in the development of training standards for emergency medical technicians on the emergency use of epinephrine.  By December 12, 2000, the department shall report to the appropriate committees of the house of representatives and senate on the total number of incidents in the state in the previous year of emergency medical technicians administering epinephrine.  The report shall also review the merits of training emergency medical technicians to administer epinephrine 1:1000 to patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory distress due to anaphylaxis.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.

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