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 will include data on suspected drug overdoses. This data will be shared with the overdose detection mapping application program to facilitate timely responses to overdose incidents. The amendments also clarify that data related to individual patient outcomes will remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure, ensuring that sensitive information is protected while still allowing for the collection and analysis of critical overdose data to inform public health strategies.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70.168.090