Bill > H2606

This bill requires state and county correctional facilities to provide specific support to prisoners at high risk of opioid overdose upon their discharge. Specifically, if a detainee or prisoner has a history of opioid use, a diagnosed opioid use disorder, or has previously experienced an opioid-related overdose, the facility must: (1) educate the individual about opioid antagonists (like Narcan, a medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdose), (2) provide information about where to access these antagonists in the community after release, and (3) give the individual or their legal guardian at least two doses of an opioid antagonist. The bill allows the corrections commissioner to create additional rules and regulations to implement these requirements. The goal is to reduce the risk of fatal overdoses among recently released prisoners, who are at particularly high risk due to potential decreased tolerance to opioids after a period of incarceration and potential challenges reintegrating into the community.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2606