CT HB05291

Hospitals and emergency medical services personnel must report opioid overdoses to the Department of Public Health starting January 1, 2019, in a form prescribed by the Commissioner.

Beginning January 1, 2020, hospitals treating nonfatal opioid overdoses must administer mental health screenings or assessments to patients (or their guardians) if medically appropriate.

From January 1, 2025 through August 31, 2028, hospitals must administer toxicology screenings with patient consent for nonfatal opioid overdoses, testing for opiates, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, methadone, cocaine, gabapentin, xylazine, and other substances deemed appropriate.

The Department of Public Health must report annually from January 1, 2026 through January 1, 2029 to the public health committee regarding toxicology screening trends, patient benefits, and recommendations on continuing the screening program beyond August 31, 2028.

Overdose data reported to the Department of Public Health remains confidential and is shared with municipal health departments to develop preventive initiatives.