Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1137

Introduced
2/14/24  
Refer
2/14/24  
Engrossed
3/8/24  
Refer
3/21/24  
Enrolled
5/2/24  

Caption

Opioid antagonists; authorize community organizations and others to receive and administer.

Impact

The legislation aims to bolster the state's capacity to combat opioid overdoses by allowing not only healthcare professionals but also community organizations and personnel acting in good faith to administer opioid antagonists. This aligns with broader public health strategies that emphasize community involvement in overdose prevention. Furthermore, it provides civil and criminal liability protections to those administering these life-saving medications, aiming to encourage more immediate responses to overdose situations without the fear of legal repercussions.

Summary

House Bill 1137 amends Section 41-29-319 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, establishing definitions and protocols related to opioid antagonists within the framework of the Emergency Response and Overdose Prevention Act. The bill facilitates the prescription and administration of opioid antagonists—medications that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses—by expanding their availability through community organizations and related entities. It empowers practitioners to prescribe these medications to organizations that deal with high-risk opioid overdose populations, aiming to enhance community responsiveness to overdose situations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1137 appears to be largely positive among supporters, particularly health advocates and community organizations who view the bill as a proactive measure to save lives in the context of a rising opioid crisis. However, there may be concerns about the implementation and proper training required for community members, which could be an argument for those hesitant about non-professionals administering such medications.

Contention

While the bill has the backing of various stakeholders, challenges exist pertaining to the effective training of community organization members and ensuring that their responses to overdose situations maintain a high standard of care. Critics may argue that without adequate training protocols, there could be unintended consequences or misuse of the opioid antagonists. This highlights a need for guidelines and oversight to ensure that the intent of the bill to enhance community response does not lead to mismanagement or accidents in emergency situations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2336

Prevention of overdoses; authorize administration of opioid antagonists by certain persons, provide immunity to.

MS SB2442

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

MS HB1174

Public schools; authorize to have a supply of FDA-approved opioid reversal agents on premises to counter opioid overdose.

MS HB1317

Pharmacists; authorize to test for and administer treatment for minor, nonchronic health conditions.

MS HB251

Medicaid; restrict frequency of managed care organizations transferring enrollees to other organizations.

MS HB1135

Prior authorization; bring forward code sections related to.

MS HB1296

Community hospitals and UMMC; expand powers and authority and provide for immunity from antitrust laws.

MS HB1228

Community schools; authorize implementation under the administration of a district innovation.

MS HB187

Medicaid; require managed care organizations to use certain level of care guidelines in determining medical necessity.

MS SB2323

Community hospitals; allow consolidation and collaboration involving other hospitals.

Similar Bills

MS SB2442

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

MS SB2336

Prevention of overdoses; authorize administration of opioid antagonists by certain persons, provide immunity to.

MT SB503

Allow use of expired opioid antagonists

CO HB1037

Substance Use Disorders Harm Reduction

OR HB2395

Relating to substance use; and declaring an emergency.

OR HB2887

Relating to short-acting opioid antagonists; prescribing an effective date.

OR HB2884

Relating to short-acting opioid antagonists.

OR SB12

Relating to opioid antagonists.