Bill > A3095

This bill, known as the "Opioid Antidote and Overdose Prevention Act," aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths by making opioid antidotes, such as naloxone, more accessible. It clarifies that the "Commissioner" refers to the Commissioner of Human Services, and defines an "opioid antidote" as naloxone hydrochloride or similar FDA-approved drugs. A "health care professional" is defined as a licensed individual who can prescribe or dispense these antidotes. The bill also expands the definition of "patient" to include individuals who may assist someone experiencing an overdose and have received appropriate training. Crucially, it provides legal protections, shielding health care professionals and individuals who administer an opioid antidote in good faith from criminal, civil, or professional liability, provided they have received necessary overdose information. This information, which must be provided by health care professionals or designated organizations, covers overdose recognition, administration of the antidote, and emergency procedures. The Commissioner of Human Services is empowered to develop and distribute training materials and to award grants to various entities, including government departments, hospitals, universities, and non-profit organizations, to support local opioid overdose prevention projects, with a preference for applications that include prescription and distribution of naloxone, encouraging 911 calls, education for at-risk populations, training for emergency personnel, and family support systems. The bill also allows the Commissioner to seek funding from various sources to support these grants and program evaluation.