HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today advanced two measures that are important to combatting the opioid epidemic, according to Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), chairman of the committee.
Senate Bill 89, sponsored by Mastriano, would ensure known or suspected drug overdoses treated by emergency medical services (EMS) providers are tracked in a statewide mapping system. Mastriano previously introduced legislation that became Act 158 of 2022 and established a statewide mapping system to track overdoses.
“When EMS personnel encounter an overdose, that information doesn’t automatically go into the statewide tracking system,” Mastriano said. “I want to close this gap in the data collected by the overdose mapping system so health care professionals and law enforcement personnel have access to the best available information. The statewide overdose mapping system can save lives by sharing important information with law enforcement and health care professionals on the front lines in this fight. The ability to save lives is only as strong as the information in the system. My bill would strengthen the overdose tracking system and enable frontline personnel to save more lives.”
Additionally, the committee unanimously reported Senate Bill 95, sponsored by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28). This bill would allow first responders, including EMS providers, to leave a dose of naloxone, or any lifesaving treatment drug approved by the Department of Health, with a caregiver of someone who overdosed. This legislation codifies an executive order first issued in 2018.
“This measure would permanently permit EMS providers to leave a dose package of life-saving naloxone with the on-scene caregiver of a patient who overdosed on opioids and was revived by the EMS,” said Mastriano. “Coupled with Senate Bill 89, I am pleased to support another measure that helps combat the scourge of drug overdoses.”
Both measures now head to the full Senate for further consideration.
Constituents of the 33rd Senatorial District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.
CONTACT: Don Beishl, 717-787-6701