Cassidy emergency medications legislation signed into law

Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) enabling emergency medical services (EMS) providers to administer controlled substances was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Nov. 17.

“In life or death situations, minutes can make all the difference,” said Sen. Cassidy, a physician.

The Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017 provides for emergency medical services agencies to register with the U.S. attorney general in order to administer certain controlled substances outside the physical presence of a medical director or authorizing medical professional in the course of providing emergency medical services, according to the bill text.

“This bill will help save lives by allowing EMS professionals to administer vital drugs in critical situations, so patients receive the best treatment possible,” Cassidy said. “I’m glad to see President Trump sign this bill into law.”

Among other provisions, the U.S. attorney general could issue regulations concerning controlled substance delivery in case of substance shortages, public health emergencies, or mass-casualty events.

The House version, H.R. 304, introduced by U.S. Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), passed the House of Representatives in January. Sen. Cassidy introduced his companion bill, S. 916, in April, with Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) signing on as original cosponsors.

The measure was endorsed by several emergency medicine advocacy groups and organizations, including the National Association of EMS Physicians, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the American Ambulance Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters, among others.