School Access to Naloxone Act

Summary#

This bill adds a new grant program to the Public Health Service Act to help elementary and secondary schools have drugs and devices to treat known or suspected opioid overdoses. The Secretary of Health may award grants to eligible entities to provide for the administration of those drugs or devices at public and private K–12 schools.

The bill also changes an existing grants section to include "administering" as an authorized activity and updates the authorization of appropriations language to include the new school grant section.

To get a grant, an eligible entity must submit the information required by the existing section 544(b), make certain certifications, and provide other information the Secretary requires. The required certifications for each school include that the school:

• allows trained personnel to administer the drugs or devices in an emergency;
• will keep a supply of the drugs and devices in an easily accessible location for trained staff;
• has a plan to have one or more trained individuals on the premises during school operating hours; and
• has a certification from the State attorney general that the State's civil liability protection law has been reviewed and provides adequate protection for trained school personnel who may give emergency aid.

The bill defines "trained personnel" to include a school nurse, trained school-based health center staff, or another individual designated by the principal or other appropriate school administrator. That person must have documented training that meets appropriate medical standards. The term "eligible entity" uses the meaning already in section 544. The bill defines "civil liability protection law" as a State law that offers legal protection to people who give emergency aid.

What it means for you#

If you run or work at a K–12 school: your district or school could apply for federal grants to support having naloxone and other approved overdose-response drugs or devices on site and to ensure staff are trained to use them. Schools that receive grants would need to keep supplies accessible and have trained staff present during school hours.

If you are a school nurse or other school staff: you could be designated as "trained personnel" to administer emergency overdose treatment if you complete and document the required training.

If you are a State attorney general: you must review and certify that your State's civil liability protection laws adequately protect school staff who provide emergency aid in overdose situations.

Expenses#

The bill updates the authorization of appropriations language to include the new school grant section, but it does not specify dollar amounts or give cost estimates. No publicly available information on total costs or funding levels is included in the bill text or metadata provided.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.