CT HB05244

School nurses or qualified school employees (principals, teachers, athletic trainers, coaches, paraprofessionals) may maintain and administer opioid antagonists (naloxone) to students experiencing opioid-related overdoses, even without prior parental authorization, provided they complete required training under section 21a-286 or Department of Public Health programs.

At least one qualified school employee trained to administer opioid antagonists must be on school grounds during regular hours when a school nurse is absent.

The Department of Education must develop guidelines for opioid antagonist storage and administration by July 1, 2022, in consultation with the Departments of Consumer Protection and Public Health.

The Department of Education will provide grants to local and regional boards of education starting fiscal year 2023 for acquiring and maintaining opioid antagonists in schools.

The Department of Children and Families must conduct free adolescent screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment training programs at least four times annually for employees of health departments, youth service bureaus, fire departments, police departments, and school boards.