Virginia House Bill HB2397

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

Emergency medical services and hospitals; mandatory reporting of controlled substance overdoses.

Impact

By mandating the reporting of controlled substance overdoses, HB2397 aims to improve the state's response to the ongoing opioid crisis and enhance public health data collection. The information gathered will be compiled and transferred to the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area's Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program. This data is essential for identifying trends in drug overdoses and can assist in targeted interventions and resource allocation for addiction treatment programs. The bill seeks to enhance the overall effectiveness of initiatives aimed at combating substance abuse and its consequences.

Summary

House Bill 2397 introduces mandatory reporting requirements for emergency medical services (EMS) and hospitals concerning controlled substance overdoses. The bill amends the Code of Virginia by adding specific provisions under Article 2.1 of Chapter 4 of Title 32.1. Under these provisions, every EMS agency or provider that treats a person for a suspected or actual overdose must report the incident to the Department of Health within 120 hours. Hospitals are also encouraged to report similar incidents, allowing for a better understanding and tracking of overdose occurrences within the state.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding the enforcement of this reporting requirement. Critics might argue about the burden it places on EMS and hospital staff, especially in an environment already strained by various challenges. Concerns could also arise regarding the privacy implications of reporting sensitive health information in a timely manner. Furthermore, there may be debates about the adequacy of existing support systems for individuals facing substance abuse issues and whether mere reporting will lead to significant improvements in treatment options and outcomes.