The bill expands the eligibility for acquiring opioid antidotes by including a variety of entities such as community hubs and schools, which are defined as social gathering places and educational institutions, respectively. It amends the Overdose Prevention Act to allow these entities to distribute opioid antidotes to individuals suspected of experiencing an overdose. The bill also introduces new definitions, including "community hub" and clarifies the role of "pharmacist" under New Jersey law. It mandates that community hubs and schools maintain a supply of opioid antidotes and ensure staff are trained in their administration, thereby enhancing community preparedness for opioid overdoses.

Additionally, the bill establishes a program within the Department of Health (DOH) to formalize reporting requirements related to opioid overdose prevention. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with creating standards for prescribing, dispensing, and administering opioid antidotes, while also monitoring and reporting on opioid overdose statistics. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing overdose prevention information and strengthens liability protections for individuals involved in the distribution and administration of opioid antidotes. It also requires prescribers and pharmacists to provide additional information regarding access to mental health resources and fentanyl testing strips.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6J-3, 24:6J-4, 45:14-67.2, 24:6J-5, 24:6J-7