Mississippi House Bill HB151

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Public universities and colleges; require to have epinephrine auto-injectors and AEDs in every building on campus.

Impact

The bill requires each institution to adopt and implement a policy for the maintenance, storage, administration, and disposal of the epinephrine auto-injectors and AEDs. This includes establishing guidelines for training campus personnel, ensuring that licensed medical professionals or trained designees supervise the administration of these life-saving interventions. The legislation is expected to enhance the safety protocols within postsecondary educational institutions by formalizing procedures for emergency situations and potentially reducing the risk of fatalities related to allergic reactions or cardiac issues on campus.

Summary

House Bill 151 mandates that all educational buildings, administrative offices, dormitories, and cafeterias at public postsecondary educational institutions within Mississippi must be equipped with an epinephrine auto-injector and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This legislation aims to improve emergency preparedness on campuses by ensuring that essential medical equipment is readily available for life-threatening situations such as anaphylactic shocks or cardiac arrests. The bill emphasizes the importance of accessibility and proper storage of these devices to ensure they can be used effectively in emergencies.

Contention

While the bill has received support for its intent to enhance student safety, some concerns may arise regarding the implementation and costs associated with training personnel and maintaining medical equipment. Critics may argue about the adequacy of existing health and safety measures on campuses prior to this legislation and how the increased responsibilities under this bill may impact budgets or resources at educational institutions. There may be discussions focused on the balance between the necessity of these measures and the institutions' capabilities to fulfill these requirements effectively.