HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved a measure to combat the ongoing opioid crisis, according to the legislation’s sponsor, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York).
Senate Bill 95 builds on previous efforts by amending the Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act to permanently allow EMS providers to leave a dose of life-saving naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, with a caregiver at the scene of an opioid overdose.
“This bill helps ease the burden on our EMS providers who are already stretched thin trying to meet the growing demands for emergency care,” Phillips-Hill said. “By allowing them to leave naloxone behind, we are giving caregivers a critical tool and giving first responders one less repeated call.”
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved naloxone for over-the-counter sales, some formulations are still pending approval. Senate Bill 95 ensures EMS providers can distribute these life-saving doses, including those still under review, to help fill the gap for individuals at risk.
Senate Bill 95 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.