Texas House Bill HB3893

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prescription of epinephrine auto-injectors to and administration of epinephrine auto-injectors in day-care centers; limiting liability.

Impact

The bill imposes specific responsibilities on day-care centers, including the requirement for training personnel in recognizing anaphylaxis symptoms, administering auto-injectors, and managing post-administration procedures. This training is mandated to be formal or through online education and must occur annually, ensuring that staff members are well-prepared to handle emergencies. Furthermore, day-care centers are responsible for maintaining associated records, thereby establishing a structured protocol for addressing potential life-threatening allergic reactions among children in their care.

Summary

House Bill 3893 seeks to enhance the safety measures concerning anaphylactic emergencies in day-care centers in Texas. The bill allows physicians, or individuals with delegated prescriptive authority, to prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors in the name of day-care centers. This advancement is significant, as it enables day-care personnel to administer life-saving epinephrine without needing to establish a physician-patient relationship prior to an emergency, thereby facilitating quicker responses during anaphylactic incidents.

Contention

Notably, HB 3893 provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for individuals who act in good faith concerning the prescription and administration of epinephrine auto-injectors. This provision aims to encourage the responsible administration of epinephrine by alleviating fears of legal repercussions for staff members. However, there may be concerns regarding potential misuse or over-reliance on this immunity, necessitating vigilance in training and adherence to emergency protocols to ensure the best outcomes for children experiencing anaphylaxis.