[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5097-5098]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO HELP PREVENT HEROIN AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG 
                               OVERDOSES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 15, 2015

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to come before the House to 
introduce legislation to exempt from civil liability emergency 
administration of opioid overdose-reversing drugs, like naloxone by 
people who prescribe or are prescribed them. I am pleased to be joined 
in my efforts by Senator Markey who has introduced a companion bill in 
the Senate.
  Prescription drug overdoses have reached epidemic levels in this 
country. In the past ten years, opioid prescription has doubled. Every 
day 120 people die from drug overdoses fueled by prescription 
painkillers. Drugs like naloxone provide the means to counteract the 
effects of opioid overdoses. This is a life-saving treatment, but some 
are deterred from providing these drugs for fear of litigation.

[[Page 5098]]

  When an opioid overdose occurs, administration of an opioid reversal 
drug is necessary to prevent death. But it must occur within a certain 
window of time before the chance of survival is lost. This is the time 
for quick action, not deliberations over the possibilities of a 
lawsuit. First responders and other ``Good Samaritans'' who have the 
means to treat an opioid overdose should not be dealt this burden.
  The bill I am introducing today would protect treatment with opioid 
overdose-reversing drugs by volunteers at opioid overdose programs, 
health care professionals, and individuals who administer the drug to a 
person who is or reasonably appears to have suffered an overdose. This 
will give first responders the resources they need to save lives.
  This bill only protects those who prescribe opioid reversing drugs, 
or have been prescribed them. And it only covers circumstances in which 
someone is suffering or is perceived to be suffering from an opioid 
overdose. Reckless use of opioid reversing drugs will not be condoned.
  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to address the House on 
this important matter and I assure my colleagues that I will continue 
my efforts in preserving all lives.

                          ____________________