Connecticut’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic received a boost Wednesday with a unanimous legislative committee approval of a bill requiring emergency responders to carry overdose-reversing drugs.
The Public Health Committee approved House Bill 5053 by a vote of 22-0. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy had suggested the legislation.
The bill requires that municipalities update their existing emergency medical services plan to ensure that the primary emergency response provider on the scene of an emergency call is equipped with and prepared to administer the overdose reversing drug naloxone and has been appropriately trained to do so. It also prohibits commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone.
At Malloy’s request, the committee today added additional language that closes a gap in current liability language related to a licensed health professional who administers an opioid antagonist.
“This is a nationwide problem for which we are not immune in Connecticut,” Malloy said. “Indeed, spikes are alarming and these updates are commonsense steps that will save lives. We’re continuing to build upon the laws passed in previous sessions.”
