Us Congress House Bill HR231

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/23
• Refer: 3/14/23

Caption

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to complete a medical emergency preparedness training, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HR231 would require compliance within a specific timeframe, mandating that individuals must complete the training no later than 90 days after starting their service within the House and annually thereafter. This requirement would not only establish a standard for medical preparedness amongst House members but would also ensure that the staff is trained to handle sudden medical crises, potentially saving lives in an emergency situation. The Office of the Attending Physician will oversee the training and certification process, establishing a structured approach to emergency readiness.

Summary

House Resolution 231 (HR231) seeks to amend the Rules of the House of Representatives by mandating that each member, delegate, resident commissioner, officer, and employee of the House completes a medical emergency preparedness training. This training is aimed at equipping personnel with essential skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). By doing so, HR231 intends to enhance the preparedness of those working in the legislative body in case medical emergencies arise during congressional sessions or events.

Notables

Overall, HR231 represents a proactive approach to addressing health and safety within the legislative environment. Its implementation exemplifies a recognition of the need for preparedness in government settings, where the health and safety of both officials and constituents hold significant importance.

Contention

While the resolution appears to have broad support for enhancing medical preparedness, discussions surrounding its implementation may involve considerations of training efficacy, logistical challenges, and the allocation of resources to facilitate such training. Questions may arise regarding the adequacy of annual training and whether it effectively prepares staff for real-life emergencies. Additionally, the requirement could be an administrative burden for newly elected members and staff who may already have extensive onboarding processes.