Purpose of the Bill

This Minnesota legislative bill aims to expand the authority of local health departments to better facilitate public health measures. It allows them to obtain and distribute vaccines and epinephrine, a critical medication for severe allergic reactions, under specific conditions set by the state health commissioner.

Main Provisions

• Epinephrine Distribution: Local health departments are authorized to obtain and possess epinephrine that comes in a pre-dosed form approved by the FDA. This medication can be distributed to various locations within the community health services area to address life-threatening allergic reactions. The bill specifies that administering these doses in emergencies does not constitute practicing medicine.

• Vaccine Distribution: Local health departments can also obtain, possess, and distribute several types of vaccines, including those required for school or childcare enrollment, influenza vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and others deemed necessary by the local health department. Nurses employed by or contracted with the health department are authorized to administer these vaccines under specific protocols.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 145A.04 by adding new subdivisions to include these provisions.
• It bypasses certain restrictions on who can possess and administer drugs, allowing local health departments this authority through a standing order from the state health commissioner.
• The bill ensures that local health departments have resources and training to handle and administer epinephrine safely and effectively.

Relevant Terms

• Epinephrine
• Pre-dosed form epinephrine
• Local health departments
• Vaccines
• Community health board
• FDA-approved
• Influenza vaccines
• COVID-19 vaccines
• Standing order