The Ryan White Treatment Extension Act

The Ryan White Treatment Extension Act

The Ryan White Treatment Extension Act (PDF, 39.6 Kb) includes a provision requiring hospitals to alert EMS workers within 48 hours of exposure to infectious diseases. Considering there are several new additions to this Act that affect emergency responders, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined the document.

The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) news brief states members of Advocates for EMS, including NAEMT, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the National Association of Government Employees, successfully advocated to have the notification provision again included into the Act.

The bill adds a new section to the Ryan White Act—Part G “Notification of Possible Exposure to Infectious Diseases.” According to the National Association of State EMS Officials Summary (PDF, 39.6 Kb), a list will be established to determine what infectious diseases should be considered “potentially life-threatening” and whether or not a first responder must be notified of an exposure. The EMR-ISAC noted that the Secretary of Health and Human Service has up to 180 days after enactment to complete the development of the following:

· A list of potential life-threatening diseases that emergency responders may be exposed to when responding to emergencies. This list will be distributed to the public and the states.

· Guidelines describing the circumstances in which such employees may be exposed to listed diseases.

· Guidelines describing the manner in which medical facilities should make requested determinations as to whether or not a patient had an infectious disease.