Bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday. The bill expands guidelines authorizing EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics in Minnesota to administer prescription medications to patients in lifesaving situations.  Westrom was joined by Alexis Lhotka of Morris and her family.  Westrom authored the bill after first meeting Alexis and her mother Meredith at a Morris area church nearly two years ago. 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.More than 400 rare disease could be covered under this bill, positively impacting countless Minnesotans.

“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 this past session before the Health and Human Service 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. 

“Alexis and several other individuals from across the state contacted legislators and shared their concerns about this barrier in law,” added Westrom. “There hard work paid off and the bill was unanimously supported in both the House and the Senate due to their grassroots lobbying efforts.”