RD426 - Study of the Expansion of Access to Epinephrine Auto-Injectors in the Commonwealth of Virginia - November 2015

  • Published: 2015
  • Author: Department of Health
  • Enabling Authority: Rule 20 (o) of the Rules of the Senate of Virginia (2015)

Executive Summary:
During the 2015 Session of the General Assembly, Senate Bill 1167 (Hanger) was passed by indefinitely in the Senate Education and Health Committee with the understanding that a letter would be sent requesting the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Health Professions to convene a workgroup “aimed at identifying opportunities to expand the number of sites that may choose to voluntarily stock epinephrine auto-injectors for administration by trained individuals in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.” Subsequently, the committee chairman sent a letter (Appendix A) with a request for a study in which the following questions were posed:

1. Where, and under what conditions, would it be appropriate for the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors by lay-persons?

2. What liability protections are needed for administration by lay-persons?

3. What is the availability of nationally recognized programs that train lay-persons in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors?

4. What states currently allow administration of epinephrine auto-injectors by trained lay-people?

5. What states allow stocking of epinephrine auto-injectors at sites other than medical facilities and public schools?

6. What changes must be made to Virginia’s laws and regulations in order to expand the use of epinephrine auto-injectors in sites other than medical facilities and public schools?

Accordingly, the Workgroup consisting of representatives from health care provider associations, pharmaceutical companies, business and trade associations, and other organizations was convened to review issues pertaining to the potential expansion of use of epinephrine auto-injectors at sites other than medical facilities and public and private schools in Virginia. The Workgroup met on May 27, 2015 and July 30, 2015.