FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Emergency Allergy Treatment Bill Unanimously Passes in Florida
If Bill is Signed by Florida Governor Rick Scott, Restaurants, Theme Parks, Sporting Arenas, Camps and Other Venues Could Have Epinephrine Injectors Available for Emergency Purposes
MIAMI, FL – May 11, 2014 – In a unanimous decision by the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate, the Emergency Allergy Treatment Bill CS/CS/HB 1131, that will allow businesses to stock and to use epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs), was passed. The new section of the law will permit authorized health care practitioners like Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care (FCAAC), to prescribe and a pharmacist to dispense EAIs to authorized entities without liability.
If the bill is signed into law, EAIs such as EpiPen®, Auvi-Q® and Adrenaclick® could be provided to businesses such as restaurants, theme parks, sporting arenas and camps. The bill authorizes certified individuals to use EAIs and authorizes un-certified individuals to use them under certain circumstances. It also provides immunity from liability under the protection for the Good Samaritan Act. Bill 1131 amends provisions to apply to all emergency allergy reactions, not only insect bites, as the law previously stated.
“At FCAAC, we know that food allergies are a growing public health concern. We highly recommend that patients always carry two or more EAIs with them in case of an emergency, as more than one EAI is required 35% of the time,” said Dr. Dana Wallace of Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care. “Even if you try to avoid your allergic foods, an allergic reaction can happen at any time, and if you’re not prepared, there can be life-threatening consequences. This bill changes public emergency life-saving response to anaphylaxis, allowing businesses to provide a helping hand.”
The bill is now on its way to Governor Rick Scott for consideration. The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2014.
For more information on Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care, please visit www.florida-allergy.com or call 1-877-425-5374.
About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care
Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care has been in business for 40 years and has board certified physicians with extensive experience in treating both adults and children. FCAAC has 17 centers throughout South Florida, serving communities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Centers specialize in the testing and treatment of adults and children who suffer from allergies, asthma and other disorders of the immune system. Among the most common allergies treated are allergic skin diseases, food, drug and pet allergies. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care Research conducts clinical trials on new medications. The goal of the FCAAC team is to provide professional and quality care resulting in total patient satisfaction.
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