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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First Regular Session
epinephrine injections; first responders immunity
Purpose
Allows a first responder to administer epinephrine injections to an individual experiencing anaphylaxis pursuant to a standing order.
Background
An individual may administer an epinephrine injection to a person believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction if: 1) the individual acts in good faith without compensation while administering the epinephrine; and 2) a health professional who is qualified to administer epinephrine is not immediately available. Individuals who administer epinephrine are not subject to civil liability for any injury related to the administration of epinephrine unless the person acts with gross negligence, willful misconduct or intentional wrongdoing (A.R.S. § 32-2226).
Similarly, and pursuant to a standing order issued by the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health Services (DHS), the chief medical officer of a county health department, a licensed medical doctor, a licensed osteopathic doctor or nurse practitioner, an employee of a school district or charter school who is trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors may administer or assist in the administration of epinephrine to a student or adult exhibiting symptoms of anaphylactic shock while at school or at school-sponsored activities (A.R.S. § 15-157).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a first responder to administer an epinephrine injection to a person who the first responder believes in good faith is experiencing anaphylaxis under the following conditions:
a) a standing order is issued by a licensed physician, naturopathic physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner who is authorized to prescribe drugs; and
b) the first responder is trained in administering epinephrine injections.
2. Immunizes, from professional liability and criminal prosecution for any decision made, act or omission or injury that results from administering epinephrine, except in cases of wanton or willful neglect, the following:
a) a licensed physician, licensed naturopathic physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner who is authorized by law to prescribe drugs that acts with reasonable care and in good faith; and
b) a first responder acting with reasonable care and in good faith in administering epinephrine as authorized by a standing order.
3. Specifies that authorizing a trained first responder to administer epinephrine injections does not create a duty to act or standard of care.
4. Defines ambulance attendant as:
a) an emergency medical technician, an advanced emergency medical technician, an emergency medical technician I-99 or a paramedic whose primary responsibility is the care of patients in an ambulance and who meets prescribed standards and criteria; or
b) an emergency medical responder who is employed by an operating ambulance service whose primary responsibility is the driving of an ambulance.
5. Defines first responder as a law enforcement officer, a firefighter or an ambulance attendant.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
HHS 2/1/21 DP 9-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/11/21 60-0-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 26, 2021
CRS/AP/kja