Legislation sponsored by state Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) that requires schools to maintain a supply of an opioid antidote was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on August 24.
“Ideally, no student would use drugs, but the reality is that kids in New Jersey, whether their parents know it or not, are using them and are dying,” Downey said. “This legislation acknowledges that hard truth and responds accordingly.”
The new law requires high schools to maintain a supply of naloxone hydrochloride, or a similar opioid antidote, and permits the school nurse to administer the antidote to a student or staff member who is experiencing an overdose, according to a press release from Downey.
A board of education may designate additional employees who may be trained and authorized to administer the antidote in the absence of the nurse, according to the press release.