Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2149

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the prescription, administration, and possession of certain opioid antagonists for the treatment of suspected opioid overdoses, training about opioid antagonists and drug overdoses, and grants for related programs.

Impact

The legislation introduces significant changes to the existing laws by ensuring that individuals and organizations can possess and administer opioid antagonists without fear of legal repercussions. Pharmacists are also required to provide educational counseling on overdose recognition, prevention, and the proper use of opioid antagonists. These changes are meant to foster a culture of awareness and responsiveness towards opioid overdoses, ultimately aiming to reduce fatalities associated with overdoses in the state.

Summary

House Bill 2149 focuses on the prescription, administration, and possession of opioid antagonists, which are medications used to counteract opioid overdoses. The bill establishes clear guidelines allowing healthcare professionals to prescribe these lifesaving drugs to individuals at risk of opioid overdose, as well as to friends or family members who may assist those individuals. This provision aims to increase accessibility and readiness for potential overdose situations among the general public as well as emergency responders.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 2149 is the balance between accessibility of life-saving medications and concerns around enabling substance use. Advocates argue that increasing access to opioid antagonists is a critical step towards combating the opioid crisis and saving lives. However, opponents may worry about the lack of mandated educational components or support systems accompanying the distribution of these medications, possibly leading to misuse or underutilization in critical situations.

Companion Bills

TX SB1462

Similar Relating to the prescription, administration, and possession of certain opioid antagonists for the treatment of suspected opioid overdoses.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3734

Relating to an opioid-related drug overdose response protocol and training on the administration of an opioid antagonist for public school personnel.

TX HB3338

Relating to measures to prevent and respond to opioid-related drug overdoses, including policies and training regarding the use of opioid antagonists, at student residences on campuses of public institutions of higher education; providing immunity.

TX HB3735

Relating to the administration of opioid antagonists by a school nurse at public school campuses.

TX HB3602

Relating to the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists at school district campuses serving students in grades six and above.

TX SB867

Relating to the recipients of opioid antagonists under the opioid antagonist program.

TX HB2411

Relating to the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists on public and private school campuses and to the permissible uses of money appropriated to a state agency from the opioid abatement account.

TX SB629

Relating to the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists on public and private school campuses and to the permissible uses of money appropriated to a state agency from the opioid abatement account.

TX HB3680

Relating to the administration of opioid antagonists by a school nurse or school district administrative personnel at public school campuses.

TX HB4799

Relating to the provision of opioid antagonists to clients on discharge from a chemical dependency treatment facility.

TX HB4058

Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

Similar Bills

CA AB2256

Law enforcement agencies: opioid antagonist.

CA AB24

Emergency response: opioid antagonist kits.

HI HB310

Relating To Opioid Antagonists.

CA SB234

Opioid antagonists: stadiums, concert venues, and amusement parks.

CA AB1166

Liability for opioid antagonist administration.

CA SB472

Pupil health: opioid overdose reversal medication.

MI HB5077

Health: pharmaceuticals; distribution of naloxone under the administration of opioid antagonist act to any individual; provide for. Amends title & secs. 103 & 107 of 2019 PA 39 (MCL 15.673 & 15.677) & adds sec. 106.

MS SB2442

Emergency Response and Overdose Prevention Act; amend to expand the distribution and use of opioid antagonists.