Committee tables proposal to require anti‑choking suction devices in child‑care centers after safety concerns
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Summary
Representative Townsend’s constituent bill to require portable airway‑clearance devices and shorter CPR‑certification windows for child‑care staff was tabled after medical witnesses raised safety and FDA‑approval concerns; the committee asked proponents and medical groups to confer and returned the bill to later consideration.
Representative Townsend introduced a constituent bill following the death of a 16‑month‑old child, proposing that child-care learning centers and family child-care homes make portable airway‑clearance devices (PACDs) available and require staff CPR certification within 45 days of hire (reduced from 90 days). The sponsor said the device would be a third tool to attempt dislodgement after back blows/Heimlich and infant CPR when other steps fail.
Townsend said Decal (the Department of Early Care and Learning) had provided suggestions and that some day-care providers already use PACDs. He described device costs as typically below $100 and emphasized the measure was intended to provide an additional option when standard techniques fail.
Rick Ward, executive director of the Georgia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified that the association could not support a statutory requirement for PACDs. Ward cited an FDA statement that PACDs were not FDA‑cleared for routine use and warned mandating the devices could delay proven techniques such as CPR. He also said the devices are often single‑use and have expiration dates.
Members and witnesses discussed training methods (in‑person, online, literature) and whether small family child‑care homes with a single caregiver could meet a two‑trained‑staff requirement. Legislative counsel proposed substitute language to allow a single operator to be trained where the provider employs only one caregiver; the committee adopted that amendment. Given the medical concerns and limited time for interested parties to consult, the chair moved to table the bill to allow proponents, DECAL and medical groups to work through questions. The motion to table was approved.
Why it matters: The bill responds to a high-profile choking death and would change training and equipment requirements for licensed child‑care providers; medical witnesses cautioned against mandating devices that lack FDA clearance and stressed emphasis should remain on proven, timely CPR methods.
What’s next: The bill was tabled; sponsors and stakeholders were directed to consult and return with clarifications.
