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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