The bill amends Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to enhance urine drug screening requirements in emergency departments of acute care hospitals. Specifically, it mandates that urine drug screenings include tests for fentanyl, medetomidine, and xylazine, with the latter two tests required only if they are available as part of the screening panel. Additionally, if any of these substances are detected, the emergency department must report the results to the relevant department and provide educational materials regarding xylazine and medetomidine awareness.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section dedicated to medetomidine awareness education, assigning the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs the responsibility to collaborate with healthcare providers and community health centers to educate the public about the dangers of medetomidine use in humans. This includes creating informational materials that outline the effects of medetomidine, how to discuss its dangers with others, and its legitimate uses in animals. The section will expire once the Secretary of Health determines that medetomidine no longer poses a significant public health threat.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 966 (Jun 18, 2025):