1. The State Board of Health shall adopt by regulation the types of portable manual masks and face shields that are approved by the Board to assist in the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An approved mask or face shield may not weigh more than 1 pound.

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, every employer shall, without charge to the peace officer or firefighter, provide each peace officer, whether or not the peace officer is on duty, and each firefighter who is on duty, whether paid or voluntary, with:

(a) A portable manual mask and face shield approved by the Board; and

(b) Initial training and instruction in the use of the equipment.

The mask, shield and training must be provided not later than 30 days after the first day of employment. The employer shall provide refresher courses in the use of the equipment when necessary.

3. An employer may apply to the Division for a waiver of the requirements of subsection 2 with regard to each peace officer or firefighter who, in the normal course of his or her employment, is not likely ever to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The application must be in writing, specify the reasons why the employee is not likely in the normal course of his or her employment ever to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and be sworn to by the employer or his or her authorized representative. The Division shall grant or deny the waiver based on the information contained in the application.

4. A waiver granted pursuant to subsection 3 expires upon any change in the duties of the peace officer or firefighter which makes it likely that he or she will administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation at some time in the normal course of his or her employment. The date of the change in duties shall be deemed to be the first day of employment for purposes of subsection 2.

5. An injury or illness which results from the use of a mask or shield by a peace officer or firefighter pursuant to subsection 2 may not be considered as negligence or as causation in any civil action brought against a peace officer or firefighter or his or her employer.

6. As used in this section:

(a) “Employer” means any person who employs or provides equipment to a firefighter or peace officer, including the State of Nevada and its political subdivisions.

(b) “Peace officer” means:

(1) Sheriffs of counties and of metropolitan police departments and their deputies;

(2) Personnel of the Nevada Highway Patrol whose principal duty is to enforce one or more laws of this State and any person promoted from such a duty to a supervisory position related to such a duty; and

(3) Marshals and police officers of cities and towns.

(Added to NRS by 1989, 307; A 2001, 2615; 2005, 327, 675)