Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
04/08/2015 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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Audio | Topic |
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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.