Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroine, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic and anesthetic.
Fentanyl can also be illegally made and distributed. It can be made in both a liquid and powder formula and can be mixed with other drugs. Fentanyl is not detectable through sight, taste, smell, or touch. However, fentanyl can be detected through the use of fentanyl test strips, which are small strips of paper that can detect fentanyl in different kind of drugs when dissolved in water.
Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the body and can reverse and block the effects of opioids.
Washington's Good Samaritan Law limits liability for a person who renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency or who participates in transporting an injured person from the scene, without compensation or the expectation of compensation. The law excludes persons who render such care during the course of regular employment and who receive compensation or expect to receive compensation for such care.
Each public and private institution of higher education must provide opioid and fentanyl prevention education and awareness information to all students. Education may be offered in person or electronically and must include information on the Good Samaritan Law and must be posted on each institution's public website.
Naloxone and fentanyl strips must be made available to students on campus in various accessible locations such as student wellness centers, student union buildings, and student housing.
Institutions must provide education and training on administering naloxone to staff working in residence halls.
For the purpose of assisting a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose, an institution may obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication through a standing order prescribed and dispensed in accordance with an existing standing order.
The substitute bill requires the education provided by institutions to include information on the Good Samaritan Law. For the purpose of assisting a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose, an institution may obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication through a standing order prescribed and dispensed in accordance with an existing standing order.
(In support) Institutions need to be equipped with the tools to address the fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is a scourge on society. Community and technical colleges are not immune to this epidemic. People are falling prey to opioids and fentanyl, and fentanyl testing strips are necessary so people do not accidentally overdose. This is not the only action to be taken, but it is an important step within the higher education community. There have been many thousands of deaths from drug overdoses in Washington. These deaths could have been prevented if these people had access to testing strips and naloxone on campuses. This bill will help protect friends, coworkers, and bosses. Test strips are an acute response to a chronic condition. Other treatments, such as Buprenorphine, are available that can be prescribed at student health centers. Overdoses happen on campuses. Some changes would improve the bill. These changes include including information about the Good Samaritan Law so people know that they can call for help and not get in trouble, referencing the statewide standing order to dispense naloxone, and addressing liability for institutions. Training is critical and should be funded by the state.
(Opposed) None.
(Other) Student welfare is at the center of this issue. Some campuses already provide training, care, test strips, and naloxone. The demand for test strips and naloxone nasal spray has caused a shortage. Some campuses do not have access to funds to pay for these items. A grant program to make the program more affordable is encouraged. The bill should be reviewed again in three years to address changing technologies.
(In support) Representative Greg Nance, prime sponsor; Kaitlynn Albenesius, Pierce College; Simone Boe, Washington Education Association; Melissa Beard, Council of Presidents; Amanda Kost, University of Washington; and Reese Ramirez, University of Washington Tacoma Students.
Collin Bannister, The Associated Students of Washington State University; and Isela Bonilla, Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver.