Epinephrine Auto-Injector Information

State law allows physicians to prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors to businesses and the general public after completion of proper training and certification. The epinephrine certification card issued by the EMSA allows an individual (lay-person or off-duty EMS personnel,) to obtain a prescription for and administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a person experiencing anaphylaxis, with civil liability protection.

BLS Providers and EMS Personnel: Contact your Local EMSA with questions regarding Epinephrine use in your jurisdiction.

Interested in becoming an approved training program? Visit our Epinephrine Auto Injector Training Programs page.

EPINEPHRINE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Epinephrine Certification Application:

For those wishing to obtain an Epinephrine Certification, please review these steps:

1. Using these instructions, Epinephrine Application Instructions [PDF], submit the following:

● An Epi Certification Application [PDF]
● Proof of completion of CPR and Automated External Defibrillation for Adults, Children and Infants
● Proof of completion of an EMSA-Approved Epinephrine Training Program
● Check or money order in the amount of $15.00, made out to “Specialized First Aid Fund”

2. EMSA staff have 30 calendar days to process your payment and review your application.

3. Within 30 days of receipt, EMSA staff will either:

● Approve your application,
OR
● Send a deficiency letter, notifying you of any missing items you must submit to complete your application.

4. Once your application is complete and approved, EMSA will mail you an approval letter and certification card, which includes the dates of your certification cycle.

5. Once approved, you may also view your certification information in the Central Registry public look-up.

For those wishing to renew an Epinephrine Certification, please review these steps:

1. Using these instructions, Epinephrine Application Instructions [PDF], submit the following:

2. EMSA staff have 30 calendar days to process your payment and review your application.

3. Within 30 days of receipt, EMSA staff will either:

● Approve your renewal,
OR
● Send a deficiency letter, notifying you of any missing items you must submit to complete your renewal.

4. Once your application is complete and approved, EMSA will mail you a renewal letter and certification card, which includes the new dates of your certification cycle.

5. Once renewed, you may also view your certification information in the Central Registry public look-up.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a certification card to carry my own epinephrine auto-injector?

No. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed to you by an authorized health care provider, for your own use, you do not need to apply for a certification card.

Do I need a certification card to use an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed to my child or spouse?

No. If your child or spouse has an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed to them by an authorized health care provider, you do not need a certification card to use/administer epinephrine to them.

I work in an elementary/high school. Can I obtain this training and use the certification to have Epi pens stocked at the school?

See Health & Safety Code 1797.197(g) : This section does not apply to a school district or county office of education, or its personnel, that provides and utilizes epinephrine auto-injectors to provide emergency medical aid pursuant to Section 49414 of the Education Code.

You may obtain the training, become certified, and obtain a prescription for Epipen auto-injectors, however, the certification does not extend to include elementary or high school campuses.

Are off-duty EMS personnel considered “lay rescuers” under the law when off-duty?

Yes. When off-duty, EMS personnel are considered lay rescuers. Paramedics, AEMTs, EMTs and First Aid trained public safety personnel are not independent medical practitioners who can use an epinephrine auto-injector while off-duty, unless further certified. The epinephrine auto-injector certification will allow EMS personnel to legally use an epinephrine auto-injector and be protected from civil liability while off-duty.

How do I renew my certification?

The requirements and process for renewal of the certification are the same as that for the initial certification. You will find the application with required documentation provided above.

After I finish with training can I go get an epinephrine auto-injector from the pharmacy?

No, you must first get a prescription from a health care provider to present to the pharmacy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can businesses stock epinephrine auto-injectors?

Businesses and other organizations may obtain a prescription for and stock epinephrine auto-injectors if they employ or utilize a volunteer that is an EMSA-certified lay rescuer as provided above. To receive the epinephrine auto-injector(s) the business would need to take the EMSA certification card to a physician to receive a prescription. The prescription can then be filled by a pharmacy. A business that stocks epinephrine auto-injectors is required to keep records, create and maintain an operations plan, and report to EMSA when an epinephrine auto-injector is used.

What businesses should be stocking epinephrine auto-injectors?

It’s recommended that all businesses have access to epinephrine auto-injectors.

Is a business or certified person required to keep records of epinephrine auto-injector use?

Yes. Per regulations, certified persons shall make, maintain, and make available to EMSA upon request a record for five years, including:

- - - Dates of receipt, use and destruction of each auto-injector dispensed, and
    - The name of any person to whom epinephrine was administered by using an auto-injector, and
    - The circumstances and manner of disposal of any auto-injectors

For those entities that possess and make available epinephrine auto-injectors shall do the following, per Health and Safety Code, Section 1797.197(f):

Create and maintain on its premises an operations plan that includes all of the following:
- The name and contact number for the authorized health care provider who prescribed the epinephrine auto-injector.
- Where and how the epinephrine auto-injector will be stored.
- The names of the designated employees or agents who have completed the required training program and are authorized to administer the epinephrine auto-injectors.
- How and when the epinephrine auto-injector will be inspected for expiration date.
- The process to replace the expired epinephrine auto-injector, including the proper disposal of the expired epinephrine auto-injector or used epinephrine auto-injector in a sharps container.
Submit to the EMSA a report of each incident that involves the use of epinephrine auto-injector, not more than 30 days after each use.

Find a Training Program Near You!

Image used as button linking to Epinephrine Auto-Injector Training Page

Find Epinephrine Auto-injector Training and Certification for lay-rescuers and off-duty EMS personnel.

Please contact the programs directly for their course offerings.

The EMSA does not schedule or register participants for classes.

Questions? Contact the Epinephrine Certification Program!

BLS Providers and EMS Personnel: Contact your Local EMSA with questions regarding Epinephrine use in your jurisdiction.

We are located at:

Emergency Medical Services Authority

11120 International Drive, Suite 200

Attn: Epi Program

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Phone: (916) 322-4336