On February 8, 2022, MACo Associate Policy Director D’Paul Nibber testified before the House Health and Government Operations Committee in support of HB 286 – Emergency Medical Services – Paramedics – Immunization Administration – Effective Date. This bill would extend a critical initiative for local health departments to carry out targeted public health initiatives by authorizing paramedics to administer specified vaccines with proper training and oversight.

From the MACo testimony: 

Local health departments play a vital role in providing immunization services, counseling, and controlling cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. In addition, through collaborative efforts with state and local medical professionals, county governments, and other stakeholders, local health departments ensure effective immunization practices, disease surveillance and reporting, education and outreach, and program oversight.

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HB 286 would advance local efforts to improve vaccination rates, providing one of the most successful and cost-effective services to prevent disease and death.

More on MACo’s Advocacy:

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2022 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.
Learn more about MACo’s 2022 Legislative Initiatives.
Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.