FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING

FOR DRUG OVERDOSES

House Bill 4910 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Hank Vaupel

Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 4-18-16

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4910 would amend the Public Health Code to require first responders to receive training in treating drug overdose patients. 

Currently, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has the responsibility for reviewing and approving curricula for emergency medical services personnel.  This bill would add a specific requirement for including training in treating drug overdoses in programs and curricula for paramedics or medical first responders.

            MCL 333.20912

BACKGROUND:

           

According to data released by MDHHS in March of 2016, the number of drug overdose deaths in Michigan rose by 14 percent in 2014, to 1,745, as part of an upward trend since 2012.  Drug poisoning deaths comprise the largest category of injury-related deaths in Michigan.

This bill is similar to Public Act 312 of 2014, which required all emergency services personnel to be trained to administer opioid antagonists (defined as naloxone hydrochloride or any similar acting and equally safe drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of drug overdose).  The term "Emergency services personnel" is not specifically defined in the Code, but "emergency medical services personnel" is defined as a medical first responder, emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician specialist, paramedic, or emergency medical services instructor-coordinator.  

As part of continuing efforts by MDHHS to address opioid and heroin use in the state, the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force released the following report of findings and recommendations for action in October of 2015:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/snyder/Presciption_Drug_and_Opioid_Task_Force_Report_504140_7.pdf

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4910 would not have a significant fiscal impact on LARA.  The bill also would not have a significant fiscal impact on community colleges. There might be a slight increase in costs for retooling program curricula to incorporate the new requirement, but these costs should be covered under current funding levels.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Jennifer McInerney

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Paul B.A. Holland

                                                                                                                           Perry Zielak

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.