HB 15-1232: Emergency Use of Epinephrine Auto-injectors

• Creates new Article 47 of Title 25 authorizing authorized entities (recreation camps, colleges, day care facilities, restaurants, ski areas, sports arenas, etc.) to stock and administer epinephrine auto-injectors for emergency anaphylaxis treatment.

• Permits health care practitioners to prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors to authorized entities, and allows trained employees or agents to administer them to any individual believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis regardless of prior diagnosis or prescription.

• Establishes Emergency Public Access Stations (EPAS) - locked containers storing epinephrine auto-injectors under medical professional oversight that allow lay rescuers to consult with medical professionals via audio/video before unlocking and providing medications.

• Requires mandatory anaphylaxis training for anyone administering auto-injectors, conducted by nationally recognized organizations or Department of Health-approved entities, covering recognition of symptoms, storage/administration standards, and emergency procedures.

• Provides broad immunity from civil and criminal liability for authorized entities, their employees, training providers, prescribers, dispensers, and users administering epinephrine auto-injectors in good faith, except for gross negligence or willful and wanton conduct.

• Appropriates $23,736 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for the 2015-16 fiscal year to implement the bill.