The Michigan Senate has passed a bill to allow government agencies and employees to administer naloxone — known by its brand name Narcan — in case of an emergency opioid overdose.
Senate Bill 200, sponsored by Paul Wojno (D-Warren), is part of a three-bill package — including Senate Bills 282 and 283, and House Bill 436 — that would update Michigan law to expand the types of people who can administer naloxone and require them to be trained in administering it. The legislation also protects employees from civil liability if injuries or damages result from the naloxone administration under certain circumstances.
“The opioid epidemic has devastated communities and families across Michigan, and this bipartisan package of bills will increase access to lifesaving medicine in case of emergencies,” Wojno stated in a news release. “As lawmakers, it’s our responsibility to serve the people of Michigan, and my legislation will help save lives and give individuals a second chance at beating their addiction.”
In 2017, there were 2,033 overdose deaths involving opioids in Michigan. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, have been a large part of that, accounting for 1,368 deaths in 2017 — roughly an 1,800% increase since 2012.
https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/local/senate-passes-bill-giving-government-employees-ok-to-administer-narcan/article_89732a48-7d78-11e9-aa7b-237442574537.html