2018 -- H 8333

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LC005937

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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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 Bennett, Canario, Vella-Wilkinson, Walsh, and
Lombardi

     Date Introduced: June 20, 2018

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 21-28.9-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 21-28.9 entitled "The

Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act of 2016" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     21-28.9-3. Authority to administer opioid antagonists -- Release from liability.

     (a) A person may administer an opioid antagonist to another person if:

     (1) They, in good faith, believe the other person is experiencing a drug overdose; and

     (2) They act with reasonable care in administering the drug to the other person.

     (b) A person who administers an opioid antagonist to another person pursuant to this

section shall not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution as a result of the

administration of the drug.

     (c) State and municipal law enforcement personnel and emergency medical personnel to

include, but not limited to, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics and fire

department personnel may provide and transfer an opioid antagonist to an individual or to their

responsible family member, friend of other person along with instructions on administration and

use of the opioid antagonist, to provide opioid overdose protection to the individual, in the good

faith judgment of the law enforcement or emergency medical personnel, who is at substantial risk

of experiencing an opioid related overdose event. Law enforcement and/or emergency medical

personnel may exercise their good faith judgment based on their experience, training, knowledge,

observations and information provided by the individual at substantial risk of experiencing an

opioid related overdose event or from the individual's family, friend or others with knowledge of

the individual's prior opioid use.

     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 allow police and medical personnel to provide an opioid antagonist with

instructions for use to individuals or their family who are at risk of future overdose.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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