Oklahoma Senate Bill SB712

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 2/23/23
• Refer: 2/23/23
• Report Pass: 3/1/23
• Engrossed: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Report Pass: 4/6/23
• Enrolled: 4/20/23
• Vetoed: 4/26/23
• Override: 5/25/23
• Passed: 5/25/23

Caption

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.

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance the availability of emergency opioid antagonists in hospitals, particularly targeting patients not covered by health benefit plans or state Medicaid. By requiring hospitals to distribute naloxone to individuals at high risk of opioid overdose, the bill seeks to reduce fatal overdoses and ensure patients have access to necessary treatments post-discharge. This initiative is expected to result in a more informed healthcare system and provide vital resources for those battling opioid dependency.

Summary

Senate Bill 712 focuses on addressing the opioid crisis by mandating Oklahoma hospitals to provide emergency opioid antagonists, primarily naloxone, to patients who present with opioid overdose symptoms upon their discharge. The bill outlines definitions, technical assistance requirements from the State Department of Health, and specifies when hospitals must distribute these medications. It also includes provisions for hospitals to reimburse costs associated with the distribution of opioid antagonists under certain conditions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB712 appears supportive among healthcare providers and advocates for substance abuse treatment. Many stakeholders view it as a proactive step toward combating opioid-related emergencies and highlights a growing recognition of the necessity of harm reduction strategies in healthcare. Nonetheless, there could be concerns regarding the implementation of these requirements among hospitals, especially those with limited resources.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to save lives, concerns may arise about the feasibility of ensuring all hospitals have adequate supplies of naloxone and the necessary training for staff involved in distribution. Additionally, there may be discussions around the financial implications of the bill, including hospital responsibilities to provide these medications without full reimbursement in some cases and ensuring that all healthcare providers involved are competent in administering and advising patients on the use of opioid antagonists.