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:

Health Care: 3/22/05, 3/29/05 [DPA].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Campbell, Vice Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Bailey, Ranking Minority Member; Curtis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Appleton, Clibborn, Green, Hinkle, Lantz, Moeller and Schual-Berke.

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

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, plants, and inhalants. Anaphylaxis causes the patient's blood pressure to drop and many tissues to swell, potentially obstructing the airway and resulting in respiratory failure. An injection of epinephrine may be used to treat anaphylactic reactions by raising the blood pressure and opening the airways.

Paramedics and intermediate life support technicians may administer epinephrine. While emergency medical technicians generally may not perform injections, they are authorized to administer epinephrine to any patient with evidence of a prescription for the drug or a patient under 18 years old at the request of the patient or his or her parent or guardian or another person with written authorization to request the administration of epinephrine on the minor's behalf.

Summary of Amended Bill:

Emergency medical technicians are authorized to administer epinephrine to patients that are 30 years old or less. Emergency medical technicians may administer epinephrine to patients over 30 years old with evidence of a prescription, unless local protocols to not require a prescription. Immunity provisions for emergency medical technicians, emergency medical services, and medical program directors related to the administration of epinephrine are removed.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:

Emergency medical technicians may administer epinephrine to patients 30 years old or less as necessary. Evidence of a prescription is required to administer epinephrine to a patient over 30 years old, unless local protocols provide otherwise.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Since emergency medical technicians are the first to respond to emergency situations, they should be trained to administer epinephrine when necessary. Removing the restrictions on emergency medical technicians administering epinephrine can save lives.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: Sherry Thomas; Marlo Martinez-Lynch; and Anna McCartney.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.