HARRISBURG – Legislation championed by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) to empower emergency medical service (EMS) providers and expand access to life-saving medication has been signed into law.
Senate Bill 95, now Act 34 of 2025, will provide EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, at the scene of an overdose, offering families a critical tool to prevent future emergencies. The bill, which received strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly, was signed by the governor Monday evening.
“This is a victory for our first responders, our communities, and every Pennsylvanian impacted by the opioid crisis,” Phillips-Hill said. “EMS providers are stretched thin, especially in rural areas, and this new law gives them the flexibility to leave behind naloxone and save lives when every second matters.”
The new law allows EMS teams to leave any formulation of naloxone behind, including those not yet fully approved by the FDA, ensuring that families and caregivers are equipped to respond immediately to another overdose if needed.
“This is what good government looks like. Listening to the people on the front lines and removing unnecessary red tape to support their efforts,” Phillips-Hill added. “This commonsense approach will reduce repeat emergency calls and help our EMS providers focus on the next crisis.”
Senate Bill 95 also includes provisions to improve transparency and access within Pennsylvania’s healthcare system including:
- Increasing clarity around prescription drug costs.
- Enhancing communication between pharmacists and patients.
- Allowing out-of-state pharmacists to receive temporary licenses to practice in Pennsylvania for the next six months, which is aimed at addressing pharmacy deserts created by the widespread closure of Rite Aid locations.
The provision of the law allowing EMS to leave a dose of naloxone with a caregiver takes effect in 60 days. The provision pertaining to prescription drug cost transparency will take effect in one year. The provision allowing pharmacists from other states to temporarily practice in Pennsylvania, subject to the approval of the Department of State, is effective immediately.