HB294 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Epinephrine, auto-injectors, authorize administration of by non medical persons, program created

Summary

The bill creates a program to allow authorized non-school entities to obtain and administer single-dose epinephrine auto-injectors to treat severe allergic reactions, with training, liability protections, and reporting requirements.

What This Bill Does

It allows medical practitioners to prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors to authorized entities (like camps, day cares, restaurants, workplaces, and other venues) for use by trained non-medical staff during anaphylaxis. It provides liability immunity for authorized entities, trainers, physicians, and pharmacists acting under the program, with some limits. It requires training for staff, sets storage and handling rules, and mandates incident reporting to the Department of Public Health, which will publish annual summaries; the State Board of Health may adopt implementing rules, and the act takes effect immediately upon governor's signature.

Who It Affects

• Authorized entities (e.g., recreation camps, day care facilities, colleges/universities, youth sports leagues, amusement parks, restaurants, places of employment, sports arenas) and their employees or agents who would stock, store, and administer epinephrine auto-injectors after training.
• Physicians, pharmacists, and training providers involved in prescribing, dispensing, or training under this program, who receive immunity from civil/criminal liability for actions taken under the act (with certain exceptions).

Key Provisions

• Creates a program to prescribe single-dose epinephrine auto-injectors to authorized entities for use by laypersons during severe allergic reactions.
• Prescriptions issued to authorized entities are valid for two years.
• Authorized entities may acquire and stock auto-injectors; must store them in accessible locations and designate trained staff responsible for handling them.
• Trained employees or agents may provide or administer an auto-injector to someone believed to be having anaphylaxis, or to a guardian, regardless of the person’s prescription status or allergy history.
• Initial anaphylaxis training is required, with ongoing training every two years, conducted by a nationally recognized organization or a DP Health-approved entity; a certificate is issued to completed participants.
• Immunity from liability for authorized entities, their staff, and those who conduct training; immunity also extends to physicians and pharmacists who prescribe or dispense under the act, with exclusions for willful or wanton conduct.
• Administration under this act is not considered the practice of medicine; it does not alter other immunities or defenses under state law.
• Authorized entities must report each incident involving administration of an auto-injector to the Department of Public Health; the department must publish an annual summary of all reports.
• The State Board of Health may adopt rules to carry out the act’s intent.
• The act becomes effective immediately after approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Epinephrine