Friday, April 25, 2014

Conroy backs bill extending 'Good Samaritan' protections

Calls heroin use 'a public health crisis'

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, Thursday lauded House approval of legislation to extend “Good Samaritan” protections to someone who administers an opioid antagonist (such as Narcan) to someone experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose. 


The bill (HB 5487) provides civil and criminal immunity to members of the public who act with reasonable care to administer Narcan.


“We are in the midst of a public health crisis,” said Conroy, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. “Heroin is devastating families in our state.  Narcan will save lives and we want to protect people who act to save their loved ones.”



Existing law allows licensed health care practitioners authorized to prescribe an opioid antagonist to family members of drug users if they believe it could assist a person who may experience an overdose.



The bill goes next to the state Senate for consideration.



Conroy urged area residents to attend an upcoming forum on the heroin epidemic. The event, hosted by the Valley Substance Abuse Action Council, will be held at 11:30 a.m.Tuesday at the Valley United Way office in Shelton.



This is a press release from Conroy's office.

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