HCS HB 1082 -- MEDICAL PROCEDURES

SPONSOR:  Barry (Fraser)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute contains provisions pertaining to the purchase,
possession, use, acquisition, and disposal of epinephrine auto-
injector devices.  The substitute requires that every use of an
epinephrine auto-injector device be immediately reported to the
emergency health care provider.

The use of an epinephrine auto-injector device is considered
first aid or emergency treatment for the purpose of any law
relating to liability.

Any person, firm, or entity who violates provisions of the
substitute will be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill promotes public health
awareness, prevention, and emergency treatment of food allergies
which are increasing across the United States.  The standard
emergency treatment for an allergic attack caused by food
allergies or insect stings is an injection of epinephrine.  If an
injection of epinephrine is administered by a certified first
responder or emergency medical technician within 15 minutes of
the allergic episode, the mortality rate from an allergic
reaction is decreased.  Some states authorize emergency medical
technicians to administer epinephrine.  The bill requires
authorized persons to complete a training course developed by the
Department of Health and Senior Services before administering the
drug.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Fraser; Raymond
Slavin, M.D.; Mark Vandewalker, M.D.; Particia Hutcheson; and
Missouri Nurses Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:00 am