NJ laws expand access to naloxone and buprenorphine

Last month, new legislation to help make naloxone and buprenorphine more accessible was passed in New Jersey. One law, A‐5495/S‐3803, will permit certain paramedics to give buprenorphine to patients who were rescued from an overdose by naloxone. “As a doctor, I know just how important it is to prepare for and respond to medical emergencies patients may encounter,” said Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D‐Burlington), sponsor of the law. “With thousands of lives lost to overdoses each year, we need a system in place to help residents struggling with substance use disorders who may be at risk for overdoses.” Another law, A‐5703/S‐3800, will require certain health insurers to provide coverage for an opioid antidote without imposing prior authorization requirements. A third law, A‐5457/S‐3491, will permit any person to obtain, distribute and administer naloxone.