Connecticut House Bill HB06494

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17

Caption

An Act Permitting The Delegation Of Medication Administration By A Registered Nurse To Emergency Medical Technicians.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify Section 19a-492e of the general statutes, allowing greater flexibility in the delegation of medical responsibilities. The inclusion of EMTs in the medication administration process could streamline emergency care, particularly in high-pressure environments. This change is expected to result in quicker access to necessary medications for patients, ultimately corroborating better health outcomes during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 6494 proposes to amend existing legislation to permit registered nurses to delegate medication administration to emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who have completed specific training. The bill aims to enhance the workforce available for administering medications in emergency situations, addressing the increasing demand for quick and efficient medical response. By empowering trained EMTs to perform this function, the bill aims to improve patient care and outcomes in emergency settings.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the adequacy of training for EMTs and the implications of delegating medical responsibilities. Critics may argue that EMTs, despite their training, may lack the depth of clinical knowledge that nurses possess, raising concerns about patient safety. Proponents, on the other hand, argue that with proper training, EMTs can effectively fill this gap, especially in urgent situations where time is critical.