PA SB865

Emergency department urine drug screenings must now test for medetomidine in addition to fentanyl and xylazine, when such testing is available as part of the screening panel

Positive test results for fentanyl, medetomidine, or xylazine must be reported in deidentified form to the Department of Health and patients must receive informational materials about the detected substances

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, in consultation with Health and Agriculture departments, must partner with healthcare providers, veterinarians, and community health centers to educate residents on the dangers of human medetomidine use

Informational materials must cover health effects, how to discuss dangers with family/friends, and legitimate veterinary uses of medetomidine

The medetomidine awareness education provisions expire when the Secretary of Health determines human use no longer poses a significant public health threat; the act takes effect in 60 days