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Minutes for HB2579 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Authorizing the board of emergency medical services to distribute non-prescription over-the-counter medications.
Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 31, 2024
Jenna Moyer, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of HB2579.
Jason White, The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), provided testimony in support of HB2579 (Attachment 1). MARC is a bi-state council of local governments serving nine area counties in Missouri and Kansas. EMS agencies in the MARC region support the bill which will allow ambulance service owners, managers and physician medical directors to decide what if any "over the counter" (OTC) medications EMS personnel could distribute. Due to interpretations of state statutes, EMTs and paramedics cannot distribute OTC medications. The bill would allow OTC medications to be distributed by EMS personnel. There are at least 39 states that have a "Leave Behind" program which allows naloxone to be left behind during overdose emergencies.
Paul Davis, Director, Johnson County Department of Emergency Services, provided testimony in support of HB2579 (Attachment 2). In the battle against the opioid epidemic, the practice of leaving behind of OTC naloxone for patients grappling with opioid addiction is necessary. The legal department attorneys for the Johnson County Government have advised that OTC naloxone is no different than any other OTC medication with respect to regulations. Leaving behind OTC naloxone holds immense potential in stemming the tide of opioid related fatalities.
Dr. Bryan Beaver, EMS Medical Director, provided testimony in support of HB2579 (Attachment 3). EMS providers daily make life saving decisions under pressure including the delivery of life saving medications. The skill sets necessary to preform critical, life saving tasks makes them more than capable of handling the distribution of OTC medications. These medications are specifically formulated and tested for general safety and EMS providers are well trained for their appropriate use. The bill will allow EMS programs to provide more comprehensive care which may reduce unnecessary hospital visits, thus easing the burden on emergency departments.
Dr. Beaver responded to questions from the committee.
David Adams, President, Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association, provided testimony in support of HB2579 (Attachment 4). The Covid-19 pandemic showcased the flexibility and evolution of Emergency Medical Services. OTC medications can provide immediate relief for minor ailments and symptoms. Leaving behind OTC medications ensures patients have access to basic care even after the EMS team has left. Possible amendments to the bill were provided.
Written only in support of HB2579:
Rachelle Colombo, Executive Director, Kansas Medical Society (Attachment 5)
Randy Bowman, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Local Health Departments (Attachment 6)
Dave Johnston, Chairman, Region III EMS Council (Attachment 7)
Ruaa Hassaballa-Muhamad, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kansas Public Health Association (Attachment 8)
Joseph House, Executive Director, Kansas Board of EMS, provided testimony in opposition to HB2579 (Attachment 9). Additional language in the bill is unnecessary and asks to legislate a practice bystanders and laypeople can do today. This create obstacles in the path of an EMS provider. It is the Board's current stance that the giving of OTC medications to another individual does not need to be legislated. This bill would create the need for additional training and additions to the medical protocols. Mr. House noted several possible amendments to the bill. The bill would also create a statutory disconnect within the emergency opioid antagonist law.
Mr. House responded to questions from the committee.
Alexandra Blasi, Executive Director, Kansas Board of Pharmacy, provided a neutral position regarding HB2579 (Attachment 10). While the Board has no jurisdiction over emergency medical services, recent changes in federal laws governing OTC naloxone have raised concerns about limitations of current Kansas law. The Board strongly supports increase access to and the availability of the medication and believes this is an important pathway. The Board does not have concerns about the broader allowance of emergency medical personnel providing OTC medications to patients.
The hearing on HB2579 was closed.
Chairman Landwehr noted without objection the committee will work HB2579.
Representative Buehler motioned and Representative Eplee seconded to pass out HB2579 favorably.
There was discussion.
Representative Oropeza motioned and Representative Ruiz seconded to amend Line 15 by removing "when authorized by a physician". Motion carried.
Representative closed.
Representative Buehler motioned and Representative Ruiz seconded to pass out HB2579 favorably as amended. Motion carried.
