An Act Concerning Patient-specific Emergency Medical Care Protocols For Persons With A Rare Disease Or Special Health Care Needs.
Summary
HB 6920 would require health care providers who deliver emergency medical care to a patient with a rare disease or special health care needs to follow any patient-specific emergency medical care protocol developed for that patient by the patient’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. The protocol must be provided to the emergency provider by the patient or by the patient’s parent, guardian, caregiver, or legal representative. The bill applies broadly to emergency department physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and emergency medical services personnel.
The measure is intended to improve continuity of care in emergencies for patients whose conditions may require individualized treatment plans. It would take effect October 1, 2025, and would create a new statutory requirement in the public health laws for emergency responders and emergency department staff to honor these patient-specific protocols when presented.
Impact
The bill would add a new section to the general statutes requiring emergency health care providers to adhere to patient-specific emergency medical care protocols for individuals with rare diseases or special health care needs. It would affect emergency departments, EMS personnel, physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses by imposing a legal duty to follow individualized instructions created by the patient’s regular clinician and shared by the patient or representative. The bill does not appear to create a new licensing scheme or funding program, but it would establish a new standard of care and compliance obligation in emergency settings.
Sentiment
The available vote history suggests generally favorable support for the bill, with the Public Health Committee reporting a 28-4 joint favorable vote. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded debate to indicate broader public or member sentiment. The vote margin indicates substantial support, though not unanimity.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the requirement that emergency providers follow patient-specific protocols, which could raise questions about clinical discretion, liability, and how such protocols are verified in urgent situations. Another possible issue is implementation: emergency staff and EMS personnel would need to recognize and quickly access these individualized plans, and opponents may worry about whether all protocols are current, clear, and feasible in emergencies. The recorded vote shows some opposition, but no transcript is available to identify the specific concerns of the four dissenting members.