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Bill

A 5840

Relates to dispensing certain individuals with opioid reversal drugs upon discharge

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Steck

Bill A 5840 requires healthcare providers to give opioid reversal drugs to at-risk patients upon discharge, aiming to reduce opioid overdose deaths and empower individuals.

REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5840

Summary of Bill A 5840

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 5840
  • Title: Relates to dispensing certain individuals with opioid reversal drugs upon discharge
  • Status: Reported, referred to Rules
  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5840 aims to enhance public health and safety by ensuring that individuals at risk of opioid overdose receive opioid reversal drugs, such as naloxone, upon discharge from healthcare facilities. The intent is to reduce the incidence of opioid-related fatalities and provide individuals with the necessary tools to prevent overdose in emergency situations.

Key Provisions

  • Dispensing Requirement: The bill mandates that healthcare providers dispense opioid reversal drugs to patients who are identified as being at risk of opioid overdose before they are discharged from a healthcare facility.
  • Training and Education: Alongside the dispensing of these drugs, the bill may include provisions for educating patients and their families on how to use the reversal drugs effectively.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Specific criteria will be established to identify individuals who are at risk of opioid overdose, ensuring that the program targets those who would benefit most from receiving these medications.

Affected Parties

  • Patients: Individuals who are being treated for opioid use disorder or related conditions will be directly affected, as they will receive opioid reversal drugs upon discharge.
  • Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities will need to implement new protocols for dispensing these drugs and providing education to patients.
  • Public Health Agencies: The bill may require collaboration with public health agencies to monitor the effectiveness of the program and ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:

    • February 24, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
    • May 19, 2025: The bill was reported and referred to the Rules Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Bills: This bill has a companion bill, S 8569, which may address similar issues or provide additional context for the legislative intent.

Conclusion

Bill A 5840 represents a proactive approach to addressing the opioid crisis by ensuring that individuals at risk of overdose have access to life-saving medications upon leaving healthcare facilities. By mandating the dispensing of opioid reversal drugs, the bill seeks to empower patients and reduce the number of opioid-related deaths in the community.

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

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