Downey Bill to Require Schools to Maintain Narcan Supply Advances

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Joann Downey to require schools to maintain a supply of an opioid antidote was approved Thursday by a Senate panel.

The bill (A-542) would require high schools to maintain a supply of naloxone hydrochloride, or a similar opioid antidote, and permit the school nurse to administer the antidote to a student or staff member who is experiencing an overdose.

The board of education may designate additional employees who may be trained and authorized to administer the antidote in the absence of the nurse.

“Ideally, no student would use drugs, but the reality is that kids in New Jersey – whether their parents know it or not – are using them and are dying,” said Assemblywoman Downey.

“This legislation acknowledges that hard truth and responds accordingly.”

The bill was approved today by the Senate Education Committee. It was approved 72-0 by the full Assembly on June 7, and now awaits further consideration by the Senate.