HARTFORD - Legislation (HB5053) sponsored by state Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) aimed at combating the growing opioid epidemic in Connecticut was unanimously approved by the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee.
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| Theresa Conroy |
The bill instructs cities and towns to ensure first responders are equipped and trained to administer the drug naloxone when encountering a person experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone has a proven record of quickly reversing the effects of an overdose.
“This is a statewide crisis that needs to be addressed in a non-judgmental, humane manner,” said Conroy, an advanced practice nurse and member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee.
“Naloxone is effective and fast-acting, and it is important to get it out on the streets in our towns so lives can be saved.”
“Naloxone is effective and fast-acting, and it is important to get it out on the streets in our towns so lives can be saved.”
According to the Department of Public Health, naloxone was administered by paramedics over 2,000 times per year in the state from 2012-14.
Also under the bill, commercial health insurers would be prohibited from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone. In addition, a provision in the bill helps protect a provider who administers an opioid antidote from civil liability.
The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for the consideration of the full General Assembly.
This is a press release from Conroy's office.
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