| Chapter 239 |
| 2025 -- H 5595 SUBSTITUTE A AS AMENDED Enacted 06/26/2025 |
| A N A C T |
| RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE GOOD SAMARITAN OVERDOSE PREVENTION ACT OF 2016 |
Introduced By: Representatives McGaw, Casimiro, Boylan, Speakman, Donovan, Kislak, DeSimone, Tanzi, Edwards, and Fogarty |
| Date Introduced: February 26, 2025 |
| It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: |
| SECTION 1. Chapter 21-28.9 of the General Laws entitled "The Good Samaritan Overdose |
| Prevention Act of 2016" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: |
| 21-28.9-6. Opioid overdose prevention in college and university housing. |
| (a) Every institute of higher education in the State of Rhode Island including all public and |
| private colleges and universities shall provide training in the administration of opioid antagonists |
| to every resident assistant as designated by the institution. Such campuses shall provide and |
| maintain on site in each college or university-owned or operated housing units, opioid antagonists |
| in quantities and types sufficient to meet the needs of the housing unit. Such opioid antagonists |
| shall be accessible by resident assistants for use during emergencies to any student, staff, or other |
| individual. |
| (b) Every institute of higher education under this section may designate additional |
| employees or staff members who administer opioid antagonists on a voluntary basis in the event a |
| resident assistant is not physically present at a suspected overdose incident; provided that, such |
| employee is trained in the administration of opioid antagonists. |
| (c) Any person or entity acting reasonably and in good faith in compliance with this section |
| shall not be subject to criminal, civil, or administrative liability solely by reason of such action, |
| pursuant to chapter 28.9 of title 21, nor shall they be subject to liability, penalty, or disciplinary |
| action based on any college or university rules, regulations, or procedures. |
| SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on September 1, 2025. |
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| LC001850/SUB A |
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