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 that mandates the Department of Health to submit data on both fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses to the overdose detection mapping application program starting July 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 by prohibiting the use of this data for law enforcement purposes and ensuring that no identifiable information is submitted.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 70.168.090 to require the statewide electronic emergency medical services data system to include data on suspected drug overdoses, facilitating the sharing of this information with the overdose detection mapping application program. The amendments also clarify that data related to individual patient outcomes remains confidential and exempt from public disclosure, while still allowing for necessary data sharing to improve public health responses to the overdose crisis. Overall, the legislation seeks to foster collaboration among various agencies to effectively address the growing issue of substance use disorder and drug overdoses in the state.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70.168.090
Substitute bill: 70.168.090
Engrossed substitute: 70.168.090