Hudson Introduces Bill to Improve Emergency Medical Services

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement after introducing the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act (H.R. 4365), a bipartisan bill that will clarify existing law to allow emergency medical responders to administer controlled substances, such as pain narcotics and anti-seizure medications, under the supervision of a physician:

"Without this solution, we risk sacrificing quality emergency care and endangering patients simply because law and regulation have not kept up with the evolution of modern medicine. This legislation is an important clarification of law that allows our first responders to continue administering life-saving medications to patients when they need them most."

The Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act specifically clarifies that the current practice of physician Medical Directors overseeing care provided by paramedics and other emergency medical service practitioners via "standing orders" is statutorily allowed and protected.

H.R. 4365 ensures patients will continue to receive these vital medications by:
Codifying the practice of standing orders by a physician Medical Director for the administration and delivery of controlled substances, maintaining physician oversight of medical decisions, while,
Making the EMS Agency liable for the receiving, storing, and tracking of controlled substances, similar to current procedure at hospitals.

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