Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance

committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports

if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are a vailable on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).

Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and

attachments may be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Anderson

DATE TYPED 2-9-05

HB 547

SHORT TITLE Automatic External Defibrillator Programs

SB

ANALYST Collard

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$250.0

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Department of Health (DOH)

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 547 appropriates $250 thousand from the general fund to DOH for the purpose of

providing grants to political subdivisions such as counties or local governments for automatic

external defibrillator (AED) programs.

Significant Issues

DOH notes heart disease is the leading cause of death nationally, accounting for 696,947 deaths

in 2002 (National Center for Health Statistics). The American Heart Association estimates that

approximately 20 thousand lives can be saved annually if early cardiac defibrillation were more

widely available. Placement of AED and semi-automatic external defibrillation devices, com-

bined with training of facility personnel, has proven an effective early intervention strategy for

cardiac emergencies. With training, external defibrillation is a lifesaving tool in the critical mo-

ments before professional emergency medical services (EMS) personnel arrive on scene.

House Bill 547 -- Page 2

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $250 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general

fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY06 shall revert to the

general fund.

CHE notes they will likely be a recipient of one of these grants.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

DOH indicates the bill would add an additional administrative duty to DOH and the state EMS

Bureau to manage the AED program created with appropriated funds. This additional adminis-

trative responsibility could be managed with current staff. Currently, the EMS Bureau manages

a federal AED grant to place equipment and provide training in rural areas of the state.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

DOH states, in cardiac arrest, the first several minutes are the most crucial time to perform exter-

nal defibrillation, which can significantly improve chances for survival. While EMS services

have made some early response impact, they typically respond at scenes about 8 minutes after

being called. Cardiac defibrillation should be accomplished in the first 4-6 minutes to be most

effective. The existing AED program is directed toward law enforcement vehicles and local enti-

ties, placing AEDs closer to the populations likely to experience cardiac arrest events. Additional

funds would increase availability and access to this life saving equipment.

The state has enacted the Cardiac Arrest Response Act, beginning Section 24-10C-1, NMSA

1978. This program mirrors the American Heart Association guidelines for public access defi-

brillation programs. Additional resources, such as those provided in the bill, would expand the

availability of AEDs throughout the state, which has the potential to prevent death due to cardiac

arrest.

KBC/njw