BILL NUMBER: S9289

SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring certain
locations and venues maintain a supply of opioid antagonists

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To require the creation of guidelines for on-site overdose response
capacity at specific locations and venues to prevent opioid overdose
fatalities.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISION:

Section 1: Subdivision 8 of section 3309 of the public health law, as
added by chapter 83 of the laws of 2023, is amended to require the
commissioner to set protocols for handling opioid overdoses at theaters,
concert halls, amusement parks, sporting or event centers, and nightlife
establishments. These protocols shall include, but not be limited to,
maintaining a supply of unexpired opioid antagonist sprays and ensuring
              

that at least two employees at these venues are trained in overdose
recognition and the proper usage of opioid antagonists.

Section 2: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it
shall have become a law.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The New York Public Health law currently provides guidelines for on
-site overdose response capacity at nightlife establishments.  However,
recent data from the New York State Department of Health highlights the
critical need for additional measures to address the opioid crisis.
Notably, there has been a 21.6% increase in opioid-related emergency
department visits, with opioids involved in 34% of all drug overdose-re-
lated visits. Moreover, the rate of overdose deaths due to opioids
surged by 360% between 2010 to 2021 rising from 1,074 deaths to 5,017.

This bill requires the creation of comprehensive guidelines for on-site
overdose response capacity across various public venues, including thea-
ters, concert venues, amusement parks, sports or event centers, and
nightlife establishments. This mandate aims to enhance accessibility to
life-saving care in diverse locations and to prevent overdose deaths by
ensuring prompt intervention and administration of opioid antagonist
medication, such as nasal spray, to reverse the effects of an overdose.
Trained employee s equipped with overdose recognition and response stra-
tegies will be better prepared to handle emergency situations, thereby
reducing the possibility of catastrophic consequences and preventing
fatalities.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

A2891/S835 of 2023-24: Passed

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

TBD.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:;
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.