2025 -- S 0464 SUBSTITUTE A AS AMENDED

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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: Senators Murray, DiMario, Euer, Gallo, Felag, LaMountain, Mack,

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2025

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     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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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 mandate every college or university in Rhode Island to provide training in

the administration of opioid antagonists to every resident assistant as designated by the institution,

and would also authorize those colleges and universities to include trained employee volunteers to

act in accordance with this act. This act would also provide that the college or university and any

person authorized by the college or university to administer an opioid antagonist be exempt from

administrative liability, civil liability or criminal prosecution as a result of administering opioid

antagonists.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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