| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
SB 6223
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.
Brief Description: Authorizing emergency medical technicians to administer glucagon in emergency situations.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Pflug, Parlette, Kohl-Welles and Franklin.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/08
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Diabetes and Glucagon
Diabetes is a disease where blood sugar levels are elevated due to the pancreas' inability to make
or properly use insulin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 20
million people in the United States have diabetes.
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels become too low. For
individuals with diabetes, hypoglycemia may occur when attempts to manage blood sugar levels
through diet, exercise, or medications are not successful. One method for raising blood sugar
levels in hypoglycemic patients is to inject a medication known as glucagon which is a hormone
that helps to quickly raise blood sugar levels.
Emergency Medical Personnel
Emergency medical personnel may provide patient care that is included within training curricula,
approved specialized training, and local medical program director protocols. The four categories
of emergency medical service personnel in descending order of training are: paramedics,
intermediate life support technicians, emergency medical technicians, and first responders. To
become an emergency medical technician an individual must complete an approved training
course and an examination and also be an active member of an emergency medical services
organization. With the exception of the administration of epinephrine, an emergency medical
technician may not administer injections.
Summary of Bill:
Ambulance and aid services must make glucagon emergency kits available to their emergency
medical technicians. Emergency medical technicians, but not first responders, are authorized to
administer glucagon.
Legislative findings are made regarding the problem of hypoglycemia among individuals with
diabetes and the ability of glucagon to treat severe hypoglycemia.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available from the Department of Health and requested from Local Government on February 18, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.