Summary of the WORK to Save Lives Act (S. 3812)

Bill Overview

The WORK to Save Lives Act (S. 3812) is a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate on February 10, 2026. The main purpose of the bill is to require the Secretary of Labor to issue guidance and regulations regarding the provision and use of opioid overdose reversal medication in the workplace.

Key Provisions

The bill has two main components:

Non-Mandatory Guidance for Employers

• Within 270 days of enactment, the Secretary of Labor must issue non-mandatory guidance to employers on:
  • Acquiring and maintaining opioid overdose reversal medication (e.g. naloxone)
  • Training employees annually on the usage of such medication

Mandatory Regulations for Federal Agencies

• Within 270 days of enactment, the Secretary of Labor must issue regulations requiring all federal agencies to:
  • Acquire and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication
  • Train employees annually on the usage of such medication

Affected Parties and Impact

• Employers in the private sector would be provided with non-mandatory guidance on opioid overdose response, but would not be legally required to comply.
• All federal government agencies and instrumentalities, including the Veterans Health Administration, would be legally required to acquire opioid overdose reversal medication and train employees on its use.
• The intent of the bill is to improve workplace preparedness and response to opioid overdoses, potentially saving lives in both the private and public sectors.

Timeline and Procedures

• The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 10, 2026 and was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
• The Secretary of Labor has 270 days from the date of enactment to issue both the non-mandatory guidance for private employers and the mandatory regulations for federal agencies.