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HB 852

Educational Institutions - Opioid Overdose-Reversing Medications - Policy Requirements (Protecting Our Kids From Overdoses Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lesley Lopez and 2 co-sponsors

Maryland schools must establish naloxone access and administration policies to treat opioid overdoses in students and staff.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. (Ways and Means)
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Bill Summary · HB 852

Legislative bill overview

HB 852 would require Maryland educational institutions to establish policies for obtaining and administering opioid overdose-reversing medications (naloxone/Narcan) on school grounds. The bill mandates that schools develop protocols for storage, training, and emergency use of these life-saving medications to respond to overdose incidents among students and staff.

Why is this important

Opioid overdoses among adolescents have increased significantly in recent years, making rapid access to naloxone potentially lifesaving in school settings. Establishing standardized policies ensures schools are prepared to respond to overdose emergencies and removes barriers to medication access during critical moments when minutes matter.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability concerns: Schools may worry about legal exposure from administering medications, even life-saving ones, despite Good Samaritan protections
  • Cost and implementation: Requires schools to purchase naloxone and train staff, creating budget demands during resource-constrained periods
  • Scope and stigma: Questions remain about whether all educational levels need identical policies, and whether widespread naloxone availability in schools signals acceptance of drug use rather than prevention focus

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

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