The bill aims to enhance the rapid sharing of overdose mapping information to improve overdose prevention efforts in Washington State. It establishes a new section in chapter 43.70 RCW, mandating the Department of Health to submit data on both fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses to the overdose detection mapping application program starting January 1, 2027. This includes specific details such as the date, time, and location of the overdose, as well as whether opioid reversal medication was administered. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting individual privacy, stating that the submitted information cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to identify individuals experiencing overdoses.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 70.168.090 to require the establishment of a statewide electronic emergency medical services data system that includes data on suspected drug overdoses. It aims to facilitate the sharing of this data with the overdose detection mapping application program to better identify areas at high risk for overdoses and to coordinate responses among local, regional, and state agencies. The bill also reinforces the confidentiality of patient data, ensuring that individual identifiers remain protected and are not subject to public disclosure without consent.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70.168.090