MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Representative Holden

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO IS BEING TRANSPORTED TO OR FROM A LOCATION IN MISSISSIPPI BY AIR AMBULANCE OR OTHER AIRCRAFT SHALL BE PROVIDED BLOOD AS NECESSARY WHILE ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

SECTION 1. (1) Whenever a person is transported to or from a location in Mississippi by air ambulance or other aircraft, and

(a) A physician who is treating the person has determined that the person should be provided blood or blood products as necessary while he is aboard the aircraft; and

(b) The person or the person's family requests the operator of the aircraft or the health care providers aboard the aircraft to provide blood or blood products to the person as necessary while the person is aboard the aircraft; and

(c) The aircraft has the proper equipment and health care providers aboard to provide blood or blood products to the person while he is aboard the aircraft;

then the health care providers aboard the aircraft shall provide blood or blood products to the person as necessary while he is aboard the aircraft in accordance with the determination of the person's treating physician.

(2) The requirements of this section shall apply to the owner or operator of any aircraft transporting a person to or from a location in Mississippi, notwithstanding that the owner or operator of the aircraft has a policy or practice that conflicts with this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.