IL SR1184

Illinois Senate calls on the Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services, and other relevant agencies to examine the rise in opioid overdoses occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agencies are urged to propose changes to prescription rules to allow co-prescription of opioid antagonists such as naloxone with high-dose opioid prescriptions for high-risk groups as defined by CDC guidelines.

State of Illinois is urged to approve rules, policies, and legislation to increase access to naloxone and reduce overdose deaths during COVID-19, following successful implementation in nine other states.

Resolution addresses the compounding crisis of opioid overdoses during COVID-19, citing factors including stay-at-home orders limiting access to addiction support groups, healthcare capacity constraints, and increased social isolation among people with substance abuse issues.