Trenton – In an effort to better support college students, the Senate Education Committee advanced legislation today sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner that would require institutions of higher education to maintain a supply of naloxone and develop policies for its use.
“Providing naloxone for emergency use at universities is an important overdose prevention strategy that will protect the health and safety of students,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “We must be proactive and implement policies to prevent more overdose deaths as they continue to increase here in New Jersey and around the country.”
The bill, S-3287, would require institutions of higher education to maintain a supply of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies. In an emergency, the medication would be administered by a licensed campus medical professional or a member of the higher education community. Members of the higher education community could include but is not limited to resident assistants, emergency responders, campus security officers and licensed athletic trainers.
Under the bill, institutions would be required to develop a policy concerning the emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray. The bill would provide immunity from liability for licensed campus professionals, pharmacists, or authorized health care practitioners who issue the nasal spray to an individual in need.
The bill was released from committee by a vote of 5-0.