HI HB816

Authorizes emergency medical technicians (EMTs) licensed in Hawaii to administer buprenorphine after administering an opioid antagonist during opioid overdose responses.

Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules classifying opioid-related drug overdoses as life-threatening emergencies and incorporating buprenorphine administration into standard EMS protocols aligned with national best practices.

Mandates the Department of Health allocate resources for EMT training in buprenorphine administration and coordinate with emergency medical services providers statewide on implementation.

Establishes that buprenorphine administration can reduce acute withdrawal symptoms, decrease repeat overdose risk, and provide a bridge to addiction treatment services based on evidence from California, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Effective July 1, 3000.