NY
New York Senate Bill S05922

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05922

Introduced
3/4/25  

Caption

Requires employers to include an opioid antagonist where first aid kits are required by federal law.

Impact

If enacted, S05922 would lead to significant changes in workplace safety regulations in New York State. Employers would be obligated to not only supply basic first aid items but also be specifically prepared for opioid emergencies. The requirement is particularly impactful in industries that may face higher risks of opioid incidents, including health services and manual labor jobs, where emergency response time can greatly affect outcomes. The law underscores the state's commitment to combating the opioid crisis and protecting workers' health and safety.

Summary

Bill S05922, introduced by Senator Fernandez, mandates that all employers, who are required by federal law to maintain first aid supplies, must include an opioid antagonist in those supplies. This legislation aims to address the critical issue of opioid overdoses in workplaces, ensuring that immediate treatment options are available in case of an emergency involving opioids. The inclusion of an opioid antagonist, such as Naloxone, in first aid kits is intended to provide swift intervention that could potentially save lives during an overdose situation.

Contention

While the bill is largely supportive in the health community as a crucial step in addressing the opioid epidemic, there may be points of contention regarding the burden placed on employers. Critics could argue about the additional costs and responsibilities imposed, particularly on small businesses that may struggle to comply with such mandates. Advocates, on the other hand, may emphasize the ethical responsibility of employers to safeguard their employees, especially given the rising statistics related to overdoses. The dialogue surrounding this bill could lead to discussions about the best support mechanisms for both businesses and workers in the event of an opioid-related emergency.

Latest S05922 Activity

Companion Bills

NY A02725

Same As Requires employers to include an opioid antagonist where first aid kits are required by federal law.

Previously Filed As

NY A04149

Requires public libraries to carry opioid antagonists; requires training for staff in the administration of opioid antagonists.

NY A10193

Includes all FDA approved forms and doses of Naloxone as opioid antagonists in the state definition of opioid antagonists; requires the department of health to approve all forms and doses of Naloxone approved by the FDA as opioid antagonists.

NY A09041

Requires vehicles operated by public transit authorities to contain opioid antagonists and for public transit authorities to train employees on the proper use of opioid antagonists.

NY A10715

Requires vehicles operated by public transit authorities to contain opioid antagonists and for public transit authorities to train employees on the proper use of opioid antagonists.

NY A09595

Requires the availability and permits the use of opioid antagonists on trains.

NY A01393

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for opioid antagonists and devices.

NY S05380

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for opioid antagonists and devices.

NY S02021

Requires high schools to carry and have a trained employee to administer opioid antagonists during all school hours and after school activities.

NY A06381

Requires high schools to carry and have a trained employee to administer opioid antagonists during all school hours and after school activities.

NY A01588

Requires public institutions and buildings to be equipped with opioid antagonists; directs the commissioner of general services to promulgate regulations to address the appropriate number of opioid antagonists for such buildings based on the size or occupancy of the buildings, the training of personnel and use of opioid antagonists, and any other matter deemed necessary.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.