Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allow local health departments in Minnesota to procure and distribute certain medical products, specifically predosed epinephrine and various vaccines, to better address public health needs in community service areas.

Main Provisions

1. Epinephrine Distribution:

   • Local health departments are authorized to obtain and keep a supply of predosed epinephrine, a medical device approved by the FDA for treating life-threatening allergic reactions.
   • These epinephrine devices can be distributed to locations within the community health service area and administered if it is believed, in good faith, that an individual is experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
   • This action does not constitute practicing medicine.

2. Vaccine Procurement and Administration:

   • Local health departments can obtain and retain vaccines required for school or childcare enrollment, as well as influenza, COVID-19, and other necessary vaccines.
   • Nurses, including advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, or licensed practical nurses affiliated with the health department, are authorized to administer these vaccines according to specific medical protocols.

3. Support and Training:

   • The commissioner is tasked with providing a standing order to local health boards for the distribution of epinephrine and vaccines.
   • Resources and training materials will be available to assist local health departments in maintaining and using the predosed epinephrine effectively.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 145A.04 by adding new subdivisions that explicitly permit local health departments to distribute and administer predosed epinephrine and vaccines, overriding certain limitations in section 151.37 regarding the handling of medical substances.

Relevant Terms

• Epinephrine
• Predosed form
• Local health departments
• Community health services
• Vaccines (influenza, COVID-19)
• Standing order
• FDA-approved
• Public health
• Life-threatening allergic reaction