Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine Senate Bill LD981

Introduced
3/2/23  
Refer
3/2/23  
Engrossed
5/2/23  
Enrolled
5/4/23  

Caption

An Act to Require All Emergency Medical Services Persons to Be Trained to Administer and Dispense Naloxone Hydrochloride

Impact

If enacted, LD981 would mandate changes to the training protocols for EMS personnel in Maine. This would likely lead to a more uniform and widespread capability among first responders to handle opioid overdose situations, resulting in improved outcomes for patients in crisis. By requiring this training, the state aims to mitigate the impact of opioid-related emergencies and possibly reduce the mortality rates associated with overdoses. Furthermore, the bill is aligned with ongoing public health initiatives that focus on combating the opioid epidemic through better education and access to necessary medications.

Summary

LD981 is a proposed bill aimed at ensuring that all emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in the state of Maine receive training to administer naloxone hydrochloride, a life-saving medication used to counteract opioid overdoses. The bill reflects a proactive approach to addressing the opioid crisis, recognizing the critical role that first responders play in saving lives during emergencies related to drug overdoses. The introduction of this requirement is intended to enhance the preparedness of EMS personnel to effectively respond to such incidents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD981 appears to be fundamentally supportive, as the bill promotes enhanced medical preparedness in the face of a public health crisis. Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and public health advocates, generally view the bill favorably. However, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation of the training requirements, such as the allocation of resources and training accessibility, which could lead to discussions around the feasibility of the bill's mandates.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding LD981 could stem from the practical implications of mandating additional training for EMS personnel, including concerns over resource allocation and the timeline for implementation. Some may argue that while the intent of the bill is commendable, the actual execution may encounter hurdles related to funding and logistics. The effectiveness of the training programs and the potential need for continuous education on the evolving landscape of opioid emergencies may also be focal points of debate among policymakers and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD1452

An Act to Allow the Emergency Medical Services' Board to Assess Civil Penalties for the Noncompliance of Emergency Medical Services Persons with the Requirement to Administer Naloxone Hydrochloride in Compliance with Trainings and Procedures Developed by the Board

ME S899

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies and permits emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray by licensed campus medical professionals and designated persons.

ME LD1036

An Act to Require All Uniformed Patrol Officers to Carry Naloxone Hydrochloride When on Duty

ME LD710

An Act to Expand Access and Reduce Barriers to Access to Naloxone Hydrochloride and Other Opioid Overdose-reversing Medications

ME A4244

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies and permits emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray by licensed campus medical professionals and resident assistants.

ME A3224

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies and permits emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray by licensed campus medical professionals and resident assistants.

ME LD1052

An Act to Expand Good Samaritan Protections for Naloxone Hydrochloride Administration

ME LD1315

An Act to Require Public Schools to Offer Training for Secondary Students on the Administration of Naloxone Hydrochloride

ME AB1060

Health care coverage: naloxone hydrochloride.

ME LD600

An Act to Expand Availability of Naloxone Hydrochloride

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.