Title: An act relating to the administration of epinephrine by emergency medical technicians.

Brief Description: Regarding the administration of epinephrine by emergency medical technicians.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Finkbeiner, Thibaudeau, Keiser, McAuliffe and Kohl-Welles).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/10/05, 2/28/05 [DPS].

Passed Senate: 3/9/05, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5708 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Thibaudeau, Vice Chair; Benson, Brandland, Franklin, Johnson, Kastama, Kline, Parlette and Poulsen.

Staff: Stephanie Yurcisin (786-7438)

Background: Anaphylaxis is an allergic hypersensitivity reaction of the body to a foreign protein or drug. Anaphylaxis can be caused by drugs, insect stings, foods, and inhalants. In some cases it can result in convulsions, unconsciousness, and even death. Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylactic reactions.

In 1999, the Legislature passed legislation requiring emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to carry epinephrine and authorizing EMTs to administer it to patients of any age upon evidence of a prescription. EMTs were also authorized to administer epinephrine to minors upon the request of the patient or his or her parent or guardian, or at the request of an authorized individual. In 2001, the expiration date on the legislation was removed.

Summary of Bill: This bill authorizes an emergency medical technician to administer epinephrine.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Extensive studies have shown that it is safe, valuable, and lifesaving for EMTs to be able to carry and administer epinephrine. It would be even better if they could administer it without proof of prescription; the benefits would outweigh the costs. Allowing EMTs to administer epinephrine has been a lifesaver.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Anna McCartney; Susie Tracy, Washington State Medical Association; Jana Robertson; Sherry Thomas.

House Amendment(s): The house amendment inserts a restriction on the administration of epinephrine to patients over thirty. An EMT may administer epinephrine to a patient who is over thirty only upon evidence of a prescription unless evidence of a prescription is not required under the local prehospital patient care protocols.