Public universities and colleges; require to have epinephrine auto-injectors and AEDs in every building on campus.
The bill imposes a new responsibility on public universities and colleges to develop and implement detailed policies regarding the maintenance, storage, administration, and disposal of the epinephrine auto-injectors and AEDs. These policies must be standardized and adhere to guidelines set by the Mississippi Department of Health in collaboration with higher education officials. The legislation also includes provisions for training personnel to properly use these devices so they can respond effectively in emergencies.
House Bill 205 mandates that each public postsecondary educational institution in Mississippi must have an epinephrine auto-injector and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) readily available in every educational building, administrative office, dormitory, and cafeteria. This requirement is intended to enhance the safety of students and staff by enabling immediate response to medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest. By ensuring that these life-saving devices are accessible, the bill aims to reduce response times and potentially save lives on campus.
While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards improving campus safety, some stakeholders may express concerns about the implementation costs and the training requirements for staff and volunteers. The requirement for postsecondary institutions to ensure that only licensed medical professionals or trained community members administer the devices may also lead to discussions about the adequacy of training programs available. Moreover, the bill suggests that no licensed medical professionals or trained designees will face liability for good faith actions undertaken under its provisions, which could be subject to scrutiny and debate regarding legal implications.
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, giving institutions time to comply with its requirements. The successful rollout will depend on how effectively public postsecondary institutions can coordinate with the state health department to create and disseminate the necessary policies and training programs.