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SF3048 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Local health departments authorization to obtain vaccines and a predosed form of epinephrine according to a standing order for distribution provided by the commissioner of health

Related bill: HF2860

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to authorize local health departments in Minnesota to obtain and distribute vaccines and pre-dosed epinephrine. This measure aims to enhance access to essential medical resources for preventing life-threatening allergic reactions and ensuring community immunization.

Main Provisions

  • Epinephrine Distribution: Local health departments will be empowered to obtain and possess pre-dosed forms of epinephrine, also known as epinephrine auto-injectors. These can be distributed within community health areas and used by non-medical personnel in good faith when a life-threatening allergic reaction is suspected. This action will not be considered the practice of medicine.

  • Standing Order: Community health boards can request a standing order from the state health commissioner to distribute epinephrine, along with necessary training and resources for proper administration.

  • Vaccine Distribution: Similarly, local health departments can acquire vaccines required for school and childcare attendance (like flu and COVID-19 vaccines) and other necessary immunizations determined by the local health department. Qualified nursing professionals employed by these departments can administer vaccines following specific protocols.

  • Commissioner Support: For both vaccines and epinephrine, if requested, local health boards will receive standing orders to facilitate distribution, along with resources and guidance provided by the state health commissioner.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 145A.04, by adding provisions that allow local health departments to act more independently in acquiring and distributing important health resources like vaccines and epinephrine.

Relevant Terms

  • Local health departments
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors
  • Life-threatening allergic reaction
  • Standing order
  • Vaccination
  • Influenza vaccines
  • COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community health board

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Permission for local health departments to handle epinephrine under a standing order."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill allows local health departments to obtain and distribute predosed forms of epinephrine without being subject to section 151.37.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "151.37",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Authorization for local health departments to possess and distribute school-required vaccines."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill refers to vaccines required under section 121A.15 for school or childcare facility enrollment.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "121A.15",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Authority for specific nurses to administer vaccines under conditions-specific protocols."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill allows certain nurses to administer vaccines obtained by local health departments as authorized under section 148.235, subdivision 9.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "148.235",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 9"
  }
]

Sponsors