Davis promotes Gabby’s Law to require adoption of sepsis protocols

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) on Aug. 4 advocated for legislation he recently introduced that would require each hospital to adopt and implement evidence-based sepsis protocols as a condition of participation under the Medicare program.

Rep. Davis on July 9 sponsored Gabby’s Law Act, H.R. 7514, which is named in honor of Gabrielle “Gabby” Galbo, who died in 2012 at the age of 5 following an undetected tick bite that developed into sepsis. Gabby was the daughter of Tony and Elizabeth Galbo of Monticello, Ill.

“Sepsis is a preventable condition. As one of the leading causes of death, it should be getting our utmost attention. I’m proud to carry Gabby’s Law in Congress on behalf of the Galbos and anyone who has suffered from sepsis so we can honor Gabby and save lives,” said Rep. Davis during a Tuesday press conference he attended alongside the Galbos.

If enacted, H.R. 7514 would require all U.S. hospitals to adopt, implement and periodically update their use of the best evidence-based sepsis protocols, and ensure that professional staff of the hospital with direct and indirect patient care responsibilities periodically receive training to implement such evidence-based sepsis protocols, according to the text of the bill.

During the press conference, Tony and Elizabeth Galbo released a statement noting that patients presenting with signs and symptoms must be screened for sepsis with the same urgency as heart attack or stroke patients. 

“For every hour in delayed treatment for sepsis, there is an 8 percent increase in mortality rate,” they said. “With rapid diagnosis and treatment, it is estimated that as many 80 percent of sepsis deaths could be prevented. We must do better.” 

Rep. Davis thanked the Galbos for their advocacy and efforts in supporting H.R. 7514. “No family in America should have to experience what they did,” he said. “Gabby’s precious life was taken from this Earth far too soon, but we can honor her life by passing this legislation named in her memory.”

H.R. 7514 is modeled after similar legislation in the state of Illinois which became law there in 2016, according to Rep. Davis’ office.