HB 1992-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides that, using existing data and resources, the department of health, in cooperation with the house of representatives health care committee, shall review the use of epinephrine for anaphylaxis by emergency medical personnel and report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 12, 1999.  The report shall determine the following:  (1) An estimate of the total number of expected incidents of anaphylaxis state-wide, grouped by age;

     (2) the approximate education and training costs associated with preparing emergency medical systems personnel to carry and administer a prefilled measured dose of 1:1000 epinephrine for anaphylaxis;

     (3) any mitigating circumstances for the use of 1:1000 epinephrine by certified emergency medical systems personnel, including but not limited to, age factors, on-line versus off-line protocols, and specific signs and symptoms present before drug administration.

     Authorizes the department of health to establish a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of training emergency medical technicians to carry and administer epinephrine to persons under age thirty who display symptoms of anaphylaxis.  If a pilot program is established, the department shall establish a voluntary technical advisory committee to advise the department in the development and review of the program.

     Requires all of the state's ambulance and aid services to make epinephrine available to their emergency medical technicians in their emergency care supplies.

     Provides that any emergency medical technician, emergency medical service, or medical program director acting in good faith and in compliance with the provisions of this section shall not be liable for any civil damages arising out of the furnishing or administration of epinephrine.

     Declares that nothing in this act authorizes the administration of epinephrine by a first responder.