2018 -- H 8333 SUBSTITUTE A

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LC005937/SUB A/2

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE GOOD SAMARITAN OVERDOSE

PREVENTION ACT OF 2016

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Bennett, Canario, Vella-Wilkinson, Walsh, and
Lombardi

     Date Introduced: June 20, 2018

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 21-28.9-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 21-28.9 entitled "The

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Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act of 2016" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     21-28.9-3. Authority to administer opioid antagonists -- Release from liability.

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     (a) A person may administer an opioid antagonist to another person if:

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     (1) They, in good faith, believe the other person is experiencing a drug overdose; and

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     (2) They act with reasonable care in administering the drug to the other person.

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     (b) A person who administers an opioid antagonist to another person pursuant to this

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section shall not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution as a result of the

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administration of the drug.

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     (c) State and municipal law enforcement personnel and emergency medical personnel to

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include, but not limited to, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics and fire

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department personnel may provide and transfer an opioid antagonist to an individual or to their

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responsible family member, friend of other person along with instructions on administration and

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use of the opioid antagonist, to provide opioid overdose protection to the individual, in the good

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faith judgment of the law enforcement or emergency medical personnel, who is at substantial risk

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of experiencing an opioid related overdose event. Law enforcement and/or emergency medical

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personnel may exercise their good faith judgment based on their experience, training, knowledge,

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observations and information provided by the individual at substantial risk of experiencing an

 

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opioid related overdose event or from the individual's family, friend or others with knowledge of

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the individual's prior opioid use.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE GOOD SAMARITAN OVERDOSE

PREVENTION ACT OF 2016

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     This act would allow police and medical personnel to provide an opioid antagonist with

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instructions for use to individuals or their family who are at risk of future overdose.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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