Inspired by Morris 14-year-old, bill allows emergency personnel to give prescription meds to individuals

Bipartisan legislation chief-authored by Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) to expand guidelines authorizing EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics in Minnesota to administer prescription medications to patients in lifesaving situations unanimously passed the Minnesota State Senate on Tuesday, May 7. Senator Westrom authored the legislation after meeting Alexis Lhotka and her mother Meredith at a Morris area church. A 14-year-old resident of Morris, Alexis needs lifesaving medication during emergency situations due to a rare disease, adrenal insufficiency, commonly referred to as Addison’s Disease. Current state law does not allow for EMTs and other emergency services personnel to administer the prescription medication.

“Alexis and her mother Meredith came to me with their concerns for this commonsense legislation,” said Senator Westrom. “Alexis stepped forward, shared her story with legislators, and bravely testified during a legislative committee hearing about the need for this bill. Due to her efforts, I am confident not only will Minnesotans statewide benefit from these reforms, but lives will be enhanced and saved.”

One of the popular medications used for adrenal insufficiency emergencies is similarly administered like an EpiPen. When an individual with adrenal insufficiency is experiencing a medical emergency, it is not always possible to self-administer the medication. This change in law would remove that barrier. After unanimously passing the Senate and House of Representatives, the bill now heads to Governor Tim Walz for his signature into law.

“Alexis and several other individuals from across the state contacted legislators and shared their concerns about this barrier in law,” added Westrom. “Due to their grassroots lobbying efforts, more than 400 rare disease could be covered under this bill, positively impacting countless Minnesotans.”