Bill > H1005

This bill authorizes the governing body of a county to establish a "yellow dot critical motorist medical information program" designed to help emergency medical responders by making vital medical information easily accessible in cases of car accidents or medical emergencies involving a participant's vehicle. Participants, who can be vehicle owners or lessees, will receive a yellow dot decal to place on their vehicle, a folder to keep in their glove compartment, and a form containing their name, photograph, emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, medications, preferred hospital, and physician contacts. This information is confidential and will only be shared with authorized law enforcement, public safety, emergency medical services, and hospital personnel to aid in identification, communication, and treatment decisions. The bill also allows counties to seek sponsorships from businesses and non-profit organizations to cover program costs, including the free decals and folders, and permits counties to collaborate on sponsorship efforts. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Department of Transportation may assist with program promotion and responder training. The program will not charge any fees for participation, and emergency responders are protected from liability unless their actions are intentionally harmful or reckless. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2014, or upon the later enactment of legislation that exempts this program's information from public disclosure requirements.