In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would require the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health, to develop policies and procedures requiring high schools to provide and maintain the opioid antagonist, naloxone, onsite in each public-school facility.

Under the legislation, school nurses, teachers, or other individuals trained and considered qualified by the department may administer naloxone to a student or staff member experiencing the symptoms of an opioid overdose. Individuals who, acting in good faith, administer the medication will be immune from criminal prosecution, will not be subject to professional review, and may not be held liable for civil damages from any acts or omissions resulting from administration of the opioid antagonist.

The opioid crisis knows no age and ensuring that our high schools are properly equipped with the tools necessary to prepare and respond to overdoses will not only encourage a larger conversation on addiction, but most importantly save lives. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0831: P.L.30, No.14