SF 3904

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/10/2022 04:46pm

A bill for an act
relating to health; establishing a program to distribute antigen tests and KN95
respirators and similar respirators; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. PROGRAM TO DISTRIBUTE ANTIGEN TESTS AND KN95
RESPIRATORS AND SIMILAR RESPIRATORS.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) The terms defined in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Antigen test" means a lateral flow immunoassay intended for the qualitative detection
of nucleocapsid protein antigens from the SARS-CoV-2 virus in nasal swabs, that has
emergency use authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration, and
that is authorized for nonprescription home use with self-collected nasal swabs.

(c) "KN95 respirator" means a type of filtering face-piece respirator that is commonly
made and used in China, that is designed and tested to meet an international standard, and
that does not include an exhalation valve.

Subd. 2.

Program established.

In order to help reduce the number of cases of COVID-19
in the state, the commissioner of health shall administer a program to distribute to individuals
in Minnesota antigen tests and KN95 respirators and similar respirators approved by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and authorized by the commissioner for
distribution under this program. Antigen tests, KN95 respirators, and similar respirators
shall be distributed at no cost to the individuals receiving them and may be shipped directly
to individuals; distributed through local health departments, COVID community coordinators,
and other community-based organizations; and distributed through other means determined
by the commissioner. The commissioner may prioritize distribution under this section to
communities and populations who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 or who
have difficulty accessing COVID-19 tests or KN95 respirators or similar respirators.

Subd. 3.

Process to order antigen tests, KN95 respirators, and similar
respirators.

The commissioner may establish a process for individuals to order antigen
tests and KN95 respirators and similar respirators to be shipped directly to the individual.

Subd. 4.

Notice.

An entity distributing KN95 respirators or similar respirators under this
section may include with the respirators a notice that individuals with a medical condition
that may make it difficult to wear a KN95 respirator or similar respirator should consult
with a health care provider before use.

Subd. 5.

Coordination.

The commissioner may coordinate this program with other state
and federal programs that distribute respirators or at-home COVID-19 tests to the public.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION; PROGRAM TO DISTRIBUTE ANTIGEN TESTS AND
KN95 RESPIRATORS AND SIMILAR RESPIRATORS.

$....... in fiscal year 2022 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
health for a program to distribute antigen tests and KN95 respirators and similar respirators
under section 1. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2023.