Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
04/08/2015 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB74 | |
| SB53 | |
| SB90 | |
| HB4 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 53 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 90 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 4 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 74 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 4-AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR
2:12:33 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN announced the consideration of HB 4.
REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor
of HB 4. She read the sponsor statement:
On behalf of the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association I am
pleased to introduce HB 4. The purpose of this bill is
to reduce impediments in state law to allow for more
public access to Automated External Defibrillators
(AEDs).
AEDs are automated medical devices that can be safely
used by an untrained bystander to restore a normal
cardia rhythm in a person experiencing sudden cardiac
arrest. The device provides both verbal and written
instructions to the user.
The use of AEDs are currently covered by Alaska's Good
Samaritan Law (AS 09.65.090), which is designed to
encourage would-be rescuers to take action without
fear of litigation However, Alaska's Good Samaritan
attaches conditions to building owners and
institutions that provide AEDs (AS 09.65.087). These
conditions include requirements to provide training,
maintenance, a means to notify 911, and registering
the device(s) with emergency medical services (EMS).
Large companies and institutions cannot confidently
assure that each of the conditions can be reliably
met; therefore, exposing them to liability and
discouraging access to AEDs. Removing these conditions
would encourage the increased availability of AEDs in
our communities.
CHAIR STEDMAN opened public testimony.
2:14:30 PM
DOUG SCHRAGE, Chief, Alaska Fire Chiefs Association, testified
in support of HB 4. He described how the automated external
defibrillator (AED) works. He said the bill is not about
discontinuing CPR and AED training and maintenance programs, nor
is it about de-emphasizing device registration or emergency
notification; it is only about making more AED's available to
the public. He pointed out that the goal of Good Sam
legislation, such as HB 4, is to offer liability protection to
all AED program constituents and to encourage more organizations
to provide AED's. It does not include program design or
operational requirements and should not condition immunity upon
compliance with such requirements.
He noted no opposition to the bill and the following support it:
the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. The bill
has no fiscal impact. He requested support for the bill.
2:17:42 PM
JIM FOSTER, Active Resuscitation Community Organizer, Loren
Marshall Foundation, testified in support of HB 4. He agreed
with Chief Schrage's comments about the best practices. He noted
the bill does not include training or maintenance of the AED. He
opined that it does not belong in the bill. He said the intent
is to help businesses and organizations to be comfortable with
using AED's and to save lives.
2:19:54 PM
SENATOR ELLIS thanked the testifier for mentioning the Loren
Marshall Foundation. He said he is happy his constituent's
legacy lives on.
2:21:02 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN closed public testimony.
REPRESENTATIVE WILSON noted that there are AED's in the capital
building.
CHAIR STEDMAN held HB 4 in committee.