Bill > A05840

This bill requires hospitals and inpatient facilities operated or licensed by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services or the Office of Mental Health to dispense at least two doses of opioid reversal drugs (such as naloxone) to patients who appear to be at risk for a substance use disorder upon their discharge. Currently, hospitals are only required to inform patients about substance use disorder treatment services, but this bill adds the additional requirement of directly providing opioid reversal drugs to help prevent potential overdoses. Opioid reversal drugs are medications designed to rapidly counteract the effects of opioid overdose, potentially saving lives by quickly reversing respiratory depression. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, which allows time for healthcare facilities to adjust their discharge procedures and obtain the necessary medications. This legislation aims to reduce opioid-related deaths by ensuring that individuals at high risk for substance use disorders have immediate access to life-saving medication when leaving medical facilities.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5840