Section 255.07. Life-saving allergy medication; use of epinephrine auto-injectors.

 

(1)   Definitions. In this section:

(a) “Administer" means the direct application of an epinephrine auto-injector to the body of an individual.

(b) “Authorized entity" means any entity or organization, other than a school described in s. 118.2925 , operating a business, activity, or event at which allergens capable of causing anaphylaxis may be present, including a recreational and educational camp, college, university, day care facility, youth sports league, amusement park, restaurant, place of employment, and sports arena.

(c) “Epinephrine auto-injector" means a device for the automatic injection of epinephrine into the human body to prevent or treat a life-threatening allergic reaction.

(d) “Health care practitioner" means a physician, a physician assistant licensed under s. 448.04 (1) (f) , or an advanced practice nurse who is certified to issue prescription orders under s. 441.16 .

(2)   Prescribing to an authorized entity permitted. A health care practitioner may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector in the name of an authorized entity for use in accordance with this section.

(3)   Authorized entities permitted to maintain supply. An authorized entity may acquire and maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors pursuant to a prescription issued in accordance with this section. The authorized entity shall store an epinephrine auto-injector in a location readily accessible in an emergency and in accordance with the epinephrine auto-injector's instructions for use. An authorized entity shall designate an employee or agent who has completed the training required in sub. (5) to be responsible for the storage, maintenance, control, and general oversight of epinephrine auto-injectors acquired by the authorized entity.

(4)   Use of epinephrine auto-injectors. An employee or agent of an authorized entity, or other individual, who has completed the training required by sub. (5) may use an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed under sub. (2) to do any of the following:

(a) Provide one or more epinephrine auto-injectors to any individual who the employee, agent, or individual believes in good faith is experiencing anaphylaxis, or to the parent, guardian, or caregiver of that individual for immediate administration, regardless of whether the individual has a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector or has previously been diagnosed with an allergy.

(b) Administer an epinephrine auto-injector to any individual who the employee, agent, or other individual believes in good faith is experiencing anaphylaxis, regardless of whether the individual has a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector or has previously been diagnosed with an allergy.

(5)   Training.

(a) An employee, agent, or other individual described in sub. (3) or (4) shall complete an anaphylaxis training program and at least every 4 years thereafter. The employee, agent, or other individual shall complete a training program conducted by a nationally recognized organization experienced in training laypersons in emergency health treatment or an organization approved by the department. The department may approve an organization to conduct training, either online or in person, that covers, at a minimum, all of the following:

1. How to recognize signs and symptoms of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

2. Standards and procedures for the storage and administration of an epinephrine auto-injector.

3. Emergency follow-up procedures after an epinephrine auto-injector is administered, including the necessity of calling the telephone number “911" or another telephone number for an emergency medical service provider.

(b) The organization that conducts the training under par. (a) shall issue a certificate, on a form approved by the department, to each person who successfully completes the anaphylaxis training program.

(6)   Good Samaritan protections; liability.

(a) All of the following are not liable for any injury that results from the administration or failure to administer an epinephrine auto-injector under this section, unless the injury is the result of an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct:

1. An authorized entity that possesses and makes available an epinephrine auto-injector and its employees, agents, and other individuals that store, maintain, control, oversee, provide, or use an epinephrine auto-injector.

2. A health care practitioner who prescribes or dispenses an epinephrine auto-injector to an authorized entity.

3. A pharmacist or other person who dispenses an epinephrine auto-injector to an authorized entity.

4. An organization that conducts the training described in sub. (5) .

(b) The use of an epinephrine auto-injector under this section does not constitute the practice of medicine or of any other health care profession that requires a credential to practice.

(c) This immunity from liability or defense provided under this subsection is in addition to and not in lieu of that provided under s. 895.48 or any other defense or immunity provided under state law.

(d) A person is not liable for any injuries or related damages that result from providing or administering an epinephrine auto-injector outside of this state if the person satisfies any of the following criteria:

1. The person would not have been liable for injuries or damages if the epinephrine auto-injector was provided or administered in this state.

2. The person is not liable for injuries or damages under the law of the state in which the epinephrine auto-injector was provided or administered.

(e) Nothing in this section creates or imposes any duty, obligation, or basis for liability on any authorized entity, or its employees, agents, or other individuals, to acquire or make available an epinephrine auto-injector.

(7)   Health care providers. Nothing in this section prohibits a health care provider, as defined in s. 146.81 (1) (a) to (hp) and (q) to (s) , from acting within the scope of practice of the health care provider's license, certificate, permit, or registration.

2015 a. 35 ; s. 35.17 correction in (4) (b).