[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    PROTECTING PATIENT ACCESS TO EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS ACTS OF 2016

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                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for 
H.R. 4365 the bipartisan ``Protecting Patient Access to Emergency 
Medications Act of 2016.''
  H.R. 4365 would authorize a medical director, physician, and 
physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse to authorize 
Emergency Medical Service, EMS, personnel to dispense controlled 
substances such seizure medications, narcotic painkillers and other 
controlled substances under an order from a registered doctor or 
agency.
  This bipartisan bill was passed by both the House Committee on Energy 
and Commerce and its Subcommittee on Health, each by unanimous consent.
  I support this bipartisan bill because it provides a vital solution 
for our emergency management personnel to provide lifesaving care to 
those requiring unique medical attention, such as in cases substance 
abuse overdose.
  Under this bill the Justice Department would be directed to approve 
the registration of qualified EMS agencies under the Controlled 
Substances Act and is empowered to deny registration based on an 
applicant's conviction record and other factors that could affect 
public health and safety.
  The bill authorizes emergency service providers to store substances 
in ambulances and other EMS vehicles and partner with local hospitals 
to restock medications and supplies.
  Each emergency services provider would be responsible for complying 
with requirements including recordkeeping and physical security.
  In Houston, Texas in 2015 alone, over 289,907 citizens relied upon 
the critical care emergency services of medical personnel, such as 
nurses, paramedics and technicians.
  Our EMS personnel throughout the nation must be equipped with every 
tool necessary to provide critical lifesaving measures during patients' 
most dire time of need.
  During the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11th, the 
lifesaving skills of our EMS providers were vital to saving countless 
American lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 4365 the ``Protecting Patient Access to 
Emergency Medications Act of 2016'' because it provides emergency 
medical personnel with a broad range of tools to provide lifesaving 
care to persons in need.

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