The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“PROTECTING PATIENT ACCESS TO EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS ACTS OF 2016” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1487 on Nov. 15, 2016.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
PROTECTING PATIENT ACCESS TO EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS ACTS OF 2016
______
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.
____________________
