SF 1580 permits certain authorized entities to obtain, possess, provide, and administer epinephrine auto-injectors to individuals who are or may be experiencing anaphylaxis without a prescription. Following is a summary of the judiciary issues.

Section 1 (144.999) establishes the parameters in which epinephrine auto-injectors may be obtained and used by authorized entities.

Subd. 3 permits an authorized entity to obtain and possess epinephrine auto-injectors to provide or administer to individuals who an employee or agent of the authorized entity believes in good faith is experiencing anaphylaxis, regardless of whether the individual has a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector.  Permits an authorized entity to obtain epinephrine auto-injectors from pharmacy wholesalers if the authorized entity presents the pharmacy or manufacturer with a valid certificate of training.  Requires an authorized entity to store the epinephrine auto-injectors in a location readily accessible in an emergency and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and any additional requirements established by the commissioner.

Subd. 4 permits any owner, manager, employee, or agent of an authorized entity who has completed the training program to either provide an epinephrine auto-injector to an individual, or the individual’s parent, legal guardian or caretaker, or administer an epinephrine auto-injector to the individual  if the employee or agent believes in good faith the individual is experiencing anaphylaxis, regardless of whether the individual has a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector or has previously been diagnosed with an allergy.  Specifies that an authorized entity is not required to maintain a stock of epinephrine auto-injectors.

Subd. 5 requires an individual to successfully complete every two years a anaphylaxis training program before the individual can provide or administer an epinephrine auto-injector as permitted under subdivision 4.  Requires the individual or entity conducting the training to issue a certificate to each person who completes the training program.  Specifies that the certificate is valid for two years.

Subd. 6 specifies that an act or omission taken by an authorized entity that obtains, an employee or agent who provides or uses, a pharmacy or manufacturer that dispenses, or an individual or entity that conducts trainings for epinephrine auto- injectors pursuant to this section, is considered “emergency care, advice, or assistance" under the Good Samaritan law.