EMERGENCY USE OF EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS
House Bill 4518
Sponsor: Rep. Paul Gieleghem
Committee: Health Policy
Complete to 5-20-03
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4518 AS INTRODUCED 4-2-03
The bill would amend the Public Health Code to permit a pharmacist, upon a prescription issued by a prescriber, to dispense one or more premeasured dose epinephrine auto-injectors to a person or individual licensed under Part 209 of the health code, which includes medical first responders, emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technician specialists, paramedics, and emergency medical services instructor-coordinators.
Licensees could purchase, acquire and possess epinephrine auto-injectors, but before using an epinephrine auto-injector, a licensee would have to complete a training course in the use of epinephrine auto-injectors approved by the director of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services, (according to CIS rules). This requirement would not restrict the use of epinephrine auto-injectors by licensed or registered health professionals acting within their scope of practice (as established in Article 15 of the health code) or an individual acting under a lawful prescription.
Each licensee who was authorized to possess and use epinephrine auto-injectors would have to use, maintain, and dispose of the devices according to rules promulgated by CIS and would have to immediately report any use of an epinephrine auto-injector to the "emergency health care provider." "Emergency health care provider" would be defined as a physician supervising the activities of the person or individual licensed under Part 209, a physician with knowledge and experience in the delivery of emergency care, or a (Michigan-)licensed hospital with an emergency department.
Use of an epinephrine auto-injector would be considered first aid or emergency treatment for the purpose of statutes relating to liability. The purchase, acquisition, possession, or use of an epinephrine auto-injector would not constitute the unlawful practice of a licensed health profession. A person otherwise authorized to sell or provide an epinephrine auto-injector could sell or provide it to a licensee who was authorized to possess and use it.
MCL 333.17750b and 333.20911
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.