New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4883

Introduced
10/17/24  

Caption

Clarifies authorization for any person or entity to distribute opioid antidotes.

Impact

By enabling a wider array of individuals and organizations, including non-healthcare entities, to distribute opioid antidotes, the bill is intended to increase the accessibility of these critical interventions in emergency situations. The potential impact on state laws includes the removal of restrictions that previously limited the distribution of opioids antidotes primarily to healthcare providers and pharmacies. This legislative change is seen as a proactive measure to combat opioid overdoses, which have become a significant public health issue.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4883, introduced by Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, M.D., aims to clarify and expand the authorization for the distribution of opioid antidotes. The bill specifically allows any person or entity to be dispensed an opioid antidote, thus broadening the scope beyond healthcare professionals to include private citizens and various organizations. This amendment to existing law is crucial in the context of addressing the opioid crisis by enhancing access to life-saving medications that can reverse opioid overdoses.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its public health benefits, there could be points of contention regarding the responsibilities and liabilities associated with distributing opioid antidotes. Critics may raise concerns about ensuring proper training for those who are not healthcare professionals to administer these antidotes responsibly. Furthermore, there might be discussions regarding the efficacy and safety of expanding distribution rights to non-professionals, which warrant careful consideration as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

NJ S3664

Same As Clarifies authorization for any person or entity to distribute opioid antidotes.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3664

Clarifies authorization for any person or entity to distribute opioid antidotes.

NJ A4235

Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply.

NJ A1417

Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply.

NJ A277

Authorizes public libraries to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by librarian or other trained library employee.

NJ A1170

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by campus medical professional or trained employee.

NJ S474

Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply.

NJ S2262

Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply.

NJ S95

Authorizes school nurses to administer opioid antidotes to overdose victims on school property, with immunity from civil, criminal, and professional liability, pursuant to "Overdose Prevention Act."

NJ S602

Authorizes school nurses to administer opioid antidotes to overdose victims on school property, with immunity from civil, criminal, and professional liability, pursuant to "Overdose Prevention Act."

NJ A201

Authorizes first responders to obtain, administer, and dispense opioid antidotes, with immunity, pursuant to Statewide standing order issued by State health official; makes clarifying changes to "Overdose Prevention Act."

Similar Bills

NJ S3664

Clarifies authorization for any person or entity to distribute opioid antidotes.

HI SB983

Relating To Controlled Substances.

HI SB983

Relating To Controlled Substances.

HI HB378

Relating To Controlled Substances.

HI HB2253

Relating To Health.

NJ A4235

Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply.

NJ A1417

Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply.

HI SB2742

Relating To Controlled Substances.