Posted on April 24, 2014
HARTFORD – State Rep. David K. Labriola (R-131) today joined his fellow state lawmakers in approving a bill aimed at saving the lives of anyone falling victim to an opioid overdose by allowing Good Samaritans to administer life-saving prescription drugs to the victim.
The bill, H.B. 5487, was ratified unanimously, allowing family, friends, partners and others to administer Narcan or similar drugs to a loved one experiencing an opioid overdose. Previously, only doctors were allowed to administer the life-saving drug.
“The depth of this problem is staggering, here in Connecticut and throughout the country,” Labriola said. “We are taking steps to reduce these tragic deaths, so that for people struggling with opioids, their lives may be saved.”
In 2012, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a law that Labriola co-sponsored, allowing friends and family to obtain a Narcan prescription if they suspect opioid use in a loved one.
The new bill, which now awaits action in the Senate, provides civil and criminal immunity to anyone administering the opioid antagonist, acting in “good faith” and reasonable care. These opioid antagonists include Narcan and any safe drug, as determined by the Food and Drug Administration, for treating a drug overdose.