STATEHOUSE (April 16, 2019) — A bill sponsored by State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne), House Bill 1652, that would allow qualified medication aides (QMAs) to administer insulin to specific patients at licensed health facilities today passed the Senate unanimously.
Under current law, QMAs are permitted to administer certain medications orally, but not by injection. HB 1652 would allow QMAs to inject insulin if certain conditions are met. QMAs would be required to pass a written and practical exam as well as be under the supervision of a registered nurse at a licensed health facility to administer insulin.
“This bill would ensure necessary parameters are in place to maintain quality healthcare standards in our state,” Busch said. “HB 1652 would allow registered nurses to delegate the task of injecting insulin, if necessary, so they can focus on more critical issues. This common-sense solution could help save lives and add optional additional training for existing workers to increase their skill level to meet the needs of Indiana’s workforce.”
HB 1652 will now return to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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For a high-resolution photo of Busch, click here.
