Bill > SB851

This bill addresses the ongoing opioid crisis in Hawaii by expanding emergency medical technicians' (EMTs) capabilities to provide more comprehensive overdose response care. Specifically, the legislation authorizes EMTs to administer buprenorphine, a medication that helps prevent withdrawal symptoms, after first administering an opioid antagonist during an overdose response. The bill requires the Department of Health to adopt new rules classifying opioid overdoses as life-threatening emergencies and to develop standard protocols for buprenorphine administration that align with national best practices. The legislation is motivated by data showing Hawaii's rising overdose rates (over 280 deaths in 2022) and inspired by successful pilot programs in other states like California, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, which have demonstrated that allowing first responders to administer buprenorphine can reduce repeat overdoses and increase patients' likelihood of connecting with addiction treatment services. By implementing these changes, the bill aims to equip first responders with more effective tools, modernize emergency medical services, provide more comprehensive care during overdose responses, and ultimately reduce unnecessary emergency department visits while supporting individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=851&year=2025