Texas Senate Bill SB1684

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the possession and administration of an epinephrine auto-injector by certain entities.

Impact

The implementation of SB1684 will require affected entities to adopt comprehensive training programs for their employees and volunteers, focusing on recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis and administering epinephrine auto-injectors. Furthermore, entities must secure a sufficient supply of these devices and implement procedures to regularly check their inventory for expirations. The law encourages a proactive approach to managing allergic emergencies and could potentially save lives by ensuring timely medical responses in critical situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1684 addresses the possession and administration of epinephrine auto-injectors by designated entities in Texas, including amusement parks, child-care facilities, restaurants, and educational institutions. The bill allows such entities to develop policies for maintaining, administering, and disposing of epinephrine auto-injectors, ensuring that staff members are trained to respond in emergency situations involving anaphylactic reactions. This legislation aims to enhance the readiness of public venues to handle allergic emergencies effectively.

Contention

While the bill is primarily framed as a health and safety measure, discussions surrounding it raised questions about the potential liability protections it offers to entities and their employees. Specifically, SB1684 provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who administer epinephrine auto-injectors in good faith, which some critics argue might lead to complacency in emergency training. The balance between proactive health measures and the assurance of competent response training appeared to be a point of contention among stakeholders.