Schools; broadening authority of schools to administer emergency opioid antagonists. Emergency.
Impact
The bill modifies the current laws to allow wider training for school staff on recognizing the symptoms of opioid overdoses and properly administering an opioid antagonist such as naloxone. This flexibility extends to enabling staff members to receive online training if in-person options are not readily available, enhancing the overall readiness of schools to handle such emergencies. Furthermore, the bill provides legal immunity for individuals administering the drug under the Good Samaritan Act, aiming to alleviate concerns about liability and encourage prompt action during emergencies.
Summary
Senate Bill 710 aims to broaden the authority of schools in Oklahoma to administer emergency opioid antagonists in the event of suspected opioid overdoses among students. The bill amends existing statutes to permit not only school nurses but also any designated personnel within the school to administer these lifesaving medications without needing a prior prescription or standing order. This legislative move is particularly significant given the ongoing opioid crisis, as it enables a quicker response in emergencies where time is critical and can potentially save lives on school premises.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB710 is largely positive, as it reflects a broader societal commitment to combat the opioid crisis by empowering schools to act decisively in overdose situations. Many stakeholders, including educators, healthcare advocates, and public health officials, view this enhancement of authority as a critical step towards improving the safety and well-being of students. However, there may be some concerns regarding the adequacy of training and resources required for non-healthcare staff to handle such responsibilities effectively.
Contention
Notable points of contention include discussions about the responsibilities placed on school staff and the adequacy of training provided for non-healthcare professionals. Critics may voice concerns about whether schools are the appropriate settings for such medical interventions and the potential for misuse or overreliance on emergency medications. Nevertheless, proponents argue that increasing access to opioid antagonists in schools is a necessary response to a public health emergency, highlighting the urgent need for measures that can save lives.
Substance abuse services; requiring Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to provide emergency opioid antagonists and education; requiring Department of Corrections and county jails to provide emergency opioid antagonists to certain persons subject to certain condition. Effective date.
Opioid antagonists; prescription of opioid antagonists to family members; replacing naloxone with opioid antagonist; sale of naloxone; removing naloxone and replacing it with opioid antagonist; effective date.
Substance abuse services; directing designation of certain physician to issue statewide standing order for emergency opioid antagonists; specifying duration of standing order. Emergency.
Hospitals; requiring Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to distribute emergency opioid antagonists to hospitals; requiring hospitals to distribute emergency opioid antagonist to certain persons upon discharge except under certain conditions; granting certain immunities. Effective date.
Diabetes Management in Schools Act; allowing a school district to stock glucagon; requiring written consent and waiver of liability. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; subject matter standards; authorizing school district to issue alternate diploma to students in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program; effective date; emergency.
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.