CORRECTED   Jan 22 2021

REFERENCE TITLE: epinephrine injections; first responders immunity

 

 

 

 

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

 

 

HB 2615

 

Introduced by

Representatives Osborne: Blackman, Bowers, Cobb, Toma

 

 

AN ACT

 

Amending title 36, chapter 21.1, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 36‑2226.02; relating to emergency medical services.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 


Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Title 36, chapter 21.1, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 36-2226.02, to read:

START_STATUTE36-2226.02.  Administration of epinephrine; immunity; definitions

A.  A first responder who is trained in administering epinephrine injections may administer an epinephrine injection to a person who the first responder believes in good faith is experiencing anaphylaxis pursuant to a standing order issued by any of the following:

1.  A physician licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17.

2.  A naturopathic physician licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 14.

3.  a physician assistant licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 25.

4.  A nurse practitioner licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 who is authorized by law to prescribe drugs.

B.  The following individuals are immune from professional liability and criminal prosecution for any decision made, act or omission or injury that results from that act if the person acts with reasonable care and in good faith, except in cases of wanton or wilful neglect:

1.  Physicians who are licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17 and who issue a standing order.

2.  naturopathic physicians who are licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 14 and who issue a standing order.

3.  physician assistants who are licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 25 and who issue a standing order.

4.  nurse practitioners who are licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 and authorized by law to prescribe drugs and who issue a standing order.

5.  first responders who administer epinephrine injections pursuant to this section.

C.  This section does not create a duty to act or standard of care for a first responder to administer an epinephrine injection.

D.  For the purposes of this section:

1.  "Ambulance attendant" means either of the following:

(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 the standards and criteria adopted pursuant to section 36‑2204.

(b)  An emergency medical responder who is employed by an ambulance service operating under section 36‑2202 and whose primary responsibility is the driving of an ambulance.

2.  "First responder" means a law enforcement officer, a firefighter or an ambulance attendant. END_STATUTE