Bill > SB865

This bill amends Pennsylvania's health and safety laws to address the emerging issue of medetomidine, a veterinary sedative that is being misused by humans. The legislation requires emergency departments in acute care hospitals to include medetomidine testing in their urine drug screenings, alongside existing testing for fentanyl and xylazine, when such testing is available. If medetomidine is detected in a patient's urine, the emergency department must report the deidentified test results to the state department. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, in collaboration with health and agriculture departments, develop educational materials and partnerships to raise awareness about the dangers of human medetomidine use. These materials must cover the drug's effects on the human body, strategies for discussing its risks with family and friends, and information about its legitimate veterinary uses. The educational efforts will continue until the Secretary of Health determines that medetomidine no longer poses a significant public health threat. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, signaling a proactive approach to addressing a potentially dangerous emerging drug trend.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=865