Relating to a report on governmental opioid antagonist programs to reverse and prevent opioid overdoses.
Impact
The legislation requires the Commission to establish state goals for the saturation of opioid antagonists, employing methods to determine supply inadequacies. This is expected to facilitate strategic improvements in the accessibility of opioid antagonists, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as school-aged children, pregnant women, and residents in rural areas. By creating a structured framework for reporting and evaluating these programs, SB2378 aims to bolster the efficacy of existing health initiatives in combating opioid overdoses.
Summary
Senate Bill 2378 mandates the Texas Commission to produce a biennial report focused on opioid antagonist programs aimed at reversing and preventing opioid overdoses. This report will assess the distribution and availability of opioid antagonists throughout Texas, including a needs assessment for existing state programs and funding sources. The intention behind this legislation is to enhance the state's response to the opioid crisis by identifying gaps in supply and delivery of these critical life-saving medications.
Contention
While details of debates around SB2378 are not currently available, issues related to opioid policies often attract varying viewpoints, particularly concerning the effectiveness of governmental programs versus community-based initiatives. Proponents of the bill are likely to argue for its potential to save lives and enhance public health strategies, while some critics may question the execution and impact of state-level oversight in addressing localized issues effectively.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 461a. Department Of State Health Services: Chemical Dependency Services And Related Programs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.