SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 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.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6421 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Cleveland, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Bailey, Baumgartner, Brown, Conway, Frockt, Jayapal, Keiser, Parlette and Rivers.

Background: An epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) is a medical device used to deliver a single dose of epinephrine or adrenaline. Most EpiPens 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 EpiPens. A licensed health professional with the authority to prescribe EpiPens may prescribe EpiPens in the name of the school district or school to be maintained for use when necessary.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): Prescribing health care practitioners may prescribe EpiPens 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 EpiPens 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 EpiPen. The entity or organization and its employees are not liable for damages due to use of an EpiPen so long as their acts do not constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Incidents of use of an EpiPen must be reported to DOH and DOH must publish an annual report that summarizes use of EpiPens by entities or organizations.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Rather than use the collaborative agreement model, health care practitioners who have the ability to prescribe and administer prescription drugs may prescribe EpiPens 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 EpiPens if they are stored in an area that is accessible in an emergency and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and DOH requirements.

Incidents of use of an EpiPen must be reported to DOH and DOH must publish an annual report that summarizes use of EpiPens by entities or organizations.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: The Legislature has taken action on the use of EpiPens in the past by allowing schools to administer EpiPens, but this missed where others can use them. This will keep children safe and allow action before an ambulance can arrive; the response time for paramedics can be 20 minutes or more. Language should be added to make sure this applies to the latest versions of EpiPens. This applies to all manufacturers of EpiPens.

Persons Testifying on Original Bill: PRO: Senator Ranker, prime sponsor; Martin LeBlanc, Island Wood; Paul Sheridan, Four Winds Camp/Executive Director; Dave Mastin, Mylan Inc..

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying on Original Bill: No One.