This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 145A.04, to authorize local health departments to obtain and distribute vaccines and predosed forms of epinephrine. The new provisions include two subdivisions: Subd. 16 focuses on epinephrine, defining it as a single-use device approved by the FDA for administering a premeasured dose to prevent life-threatening allergic reactions. It allows local health departments to possess and distribute this epinephrine, which can be administered in good faith during emergencies without being classified as the practice of medicine. Additionally, the commissioner of health is required to provide a standing order for distribution and resources for training on its use.

Subd. 17 addresses vaccines, permitting local health departments to obtain vaccines necessary for school enrollment, influenza, COVID-19, and other vaccines as determined by the department. It allows qualified nursing professionals employed by or contracted with the local health department to administer these vaccines under a condition-specific protocol. Similar to the epinephrine provisions, the commissioner must also provide a standing order for the distribution of these vaccines upon request from a community health board.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 145A.04