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Bill > S1850


NJ S1850

NJ S1850
Authorizes school nurses to administer opioid antidotes to overdose victims on school property, with immunity from civil, criminal, and professional liability, pursuant to "Overdose Prevention Act."


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would amend the State's "Overdose Prevention Act" (OPA), P.L.2013, c.46 (C.24:6J-1 et seq.), in order to authorize school nurses to administer opioid antidotes, with immunity, to overdose victims who are located on school property, or are engaged in school-sponsored activities. The bill would authorize a health care practitioner to prescribe or dispense opioid antidotes, through a standing order, to a school nurse, or to a school that employs a school nurse, who is deemed by the health care practitioner to be capable of administering the antidotes to overdose victims in an emergency. A school nurse acting pursuant to a standing order would be authorized, in an emergency situation, to administer an opioid antidote, without fee, to any person on school property, or to any person engaged in a school-sponsored activity, if the nurse believes, in good faith, that the person is experiencing an opioid overdose. Consistent with the OPA's existing immunity provisions, the bill would provide schools and school nurses with immunity from civil and criminal liability, and immunity from professional disciplinary action, in association with any act or omission, which is related to the administration of an opioid antidote, and which is undertaken, in good faith, in accordance with the provisions of the bill and the OPA. The bill would also make several technical amendments to the OPA to correct improper citations and terminological references, and improve clarity.

AI Summary

This bill amends the "Overdose Prevention Act" (OPA) to allow school nurses to administer opioid antidotes, such as naloxone, to individuals experiencing an opioid overdose on school property or during school-sponsored activities. An opioid is defined as heroin or certain prescription painkillers like hydrocodone, oxycodone, or fentanyl. An opioid overdose is a drug overdose specifically caused by opioids. The bill authorizes healthcare practitioners to issue standing orders, which are pre-approved directives, to school nurses or schools for opioid antidotes. This means a doctor can authorize a school nurse to administer the antidote without needing to be present for each individual emergency. The bill provides immunity from civil, criminal, and professional liability for school nurses and schools when they act in good faith to administer an opioid antidote in an emergency, aligning with existing protections under the OPA. Additionally, the bill makes technical corrections to the OPA for clarity and accuracy.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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