WASHINGTON — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed multiple bills into law which expand the list of individuals who may dispense Naloxone in the event of an emergency.
Naloxone is a opioid-overdose reversal medication. Maryland schools already possess Naloxone, and use it when life-saving measures are necessary.
The bills specify who may possess the medication and who administering Naloxone must be trained in its use. Basic training can be found online.
HB 2158 authorizes emergency medical services personnel and other emergency room health care providers to dispense Naloxone.
HB 2318 allows school nurses, other school board employees and local health department employees assigned to public schools to possess and administer naloxone, pending training.
HB 1878 allows employees of regional jails to possess and administer naloxone, following the completion of a training program.
Northam approved HB 2158 and HB 2318 March 5, and HB 1878 on February 22. All three bills take effect July 1.