2025 -- H 5595

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LC001850

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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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 McGaw, Casimiro, Boylan, Speakman, Donovan, Kislak,
DeSimone, Tanzi, Edwards, and Fogarty

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2025

     Referred To: House Education

     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 staff member employed in the campus’ student residential department, including resident

assistants. Such campuses shall provide and maintain on site in each college or university-owned

or operated housing units, opioid antagonists in quantities and types deemed by the department of

health to be sufficient to meet the needs of the housing unit. Such opioid antagonists shall be

accessible by every staff member 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 by a program approved by the

department of health.

     (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 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 require that every institution of higher education provide training in the

administration of opioid antagonists to every staff member on the institution's campus.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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