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HD 3470

An Act relative to the distribution of opioid antagonists at correctional facilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Donaghue and 1 co-sponsor

Requires two doses of opioid antagonist (naloxone) be provided to every incarcerated person at release, via a DOC-approved pharmacist or designee, to cut post-release overdoses.

Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
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Bill Summary · HD 3470

Summary: HD 3470 — An Act relative to the distribution of opioid antagonists at correctional facilities

Purpose and intent

This bill seeks to reduce overdose deaths among individuals reentering the community by ensuring that opioid antagonists (such as naloxone) are readily available to those leaving correctional facilities. It would require distribution of two doses to each incarcerated person at the moment of release, helping to bridge the transition from incarceration to community life.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to law: Adds a new Section 41 to Chapter 126 of the General Laws.
  • Definitions (Section 41(a)):
    • “Department” means the Department of Correction (DOC).
    • “Opioid antagonist” means naloxone or any other FDA-approved competitive narcotic antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses.
    • “Pharmacist” means any pharmacist licensed to dispense controlled substances in the Commonwealth, including others acting under supervision of a pharmacist.
  • Distribution requirement (Section 41(b)):
    • Each correctional facility, county correctional facility, state prison, jail, or house of correction must have a department-approved pharmacist or designee who will distribute two doses of opioid antagonist to an incarcerated individual upon their direct release from the facility.

Who is affected

  • Incarcerated individuals scheduled for release from all correctional facilities within the Commonwealth.
  • Correctional facilities and their staff, including pharmacists and designees responsible for dispensing opioid antagonists.
  • The Department of Correction, which would oversee implementation through its approved pharmacist framework.

Implementation and timing

  • The bill would add Section 41 to Chapter 126, establishing a statewide requirement for release-time distribution of two doses of an opioid antagonist.
  • It specifies who may dispense (department-approved pharmacists or designees) and defines the relevant terms.
  • The text does not specify a separate funding mechanism, exact implementation timeline beyond enactment, or detailed operational procedures beyond the two-dose requirement at release.

Legislative status

  • Introduced May 12, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security for consideration.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public health impact: Immediate naloxone access at release could reduce post-release opioid overdose fatalities and provide a pathway to continued treatment and support.
  • Operational considerations: Facilities may need to coordinate with DOC-approved pharmacists, secure stock of naloxone, and establish protocols for distribution at release.
  • Cost and funding: The bill does not specify funding; implementation would involve costs for medications, storage, and staff time.
  • Implementation questions: The bill does not detail dosage form (intranasal vs. injectable), administration logistics, or follow-up care connections, which states may need to address in accompanying guidelines.

Overall, HD 3470 aims to standardize immediate post-release overdose prevention by ensuring incarcerated individuals receive two doses of an opioid antagonist at the moment of release.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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