Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to empower local health departments in Minnesota to better manage public health needs by allowing them to obtain and distribute vaccines and a predosed form of epinephrine under a standing order provided by the commissioner of health. This legislative action aims to streamline the distribution and administration of these critical medical supplies to address public health and emergency situations effectively.

Main Provisions

1. Epinephrine Distribution:

   • Local health departments are authorized to obtain, possess, and distribute predosed epinephrine devices within their community health service areas.
   • These devices, approved by the FDA, are used to prevent life-threatening allergic reactions.
   • Local health department staff can administer the devices to individuals experiencing severe allergic reactions in good faith.
   • The bill clarifies that administering these devices does not constitute the practice of medicine.
   • The commissioner of health is responsible for providing a standing order for distribution and ensuring resources and training materials are available.

2. Vaccine Distribution:

   • Local health departments can obtain and possess various vaccines, including those required for school or childcare enrollment, influenza vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and others deemed necessary by the department.
   • Qualified nursing staff can administer these vaccines under a condition-specific protocol.
   • The commissioner must provide a standing order for vaccine distribution upon request by a community health board.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces new subdivisions to Minnesota Statutes, section 145A.04, expanding the powers of local health departments to independently manage and distribute medical supplies like vaccines and epinephrine, overriding previous restrictions in section 151.37.
• These changes aim to enhance local health departments' responses to public health needs and emergencies without necessitating new legislation for each scenario.

Relevant Terms

epinephrine, allergenic reaction, vaccine, COVID-19, influenza, local health departments, commissioner of health, standing order, distribution, emergency medical supply, public health administration, community health board.