Purpose

The bill would require the Minnesota Department of Corrections to ensure that every correctional facility has a ready supply of opiate antagonists (such as nasal naloxone) to reverse opioid overdoses, and to provide staff training on how to recognize overdoses and administer nasal opiate antagonists. The training would be done in coordination with the state health department.

Main Provisions

• The commissioner must maintain a supply of opiate antagonists at each correctional facility, defined by the bill, and use them in accordance with existing administration rules.
• The commissioner must store an ample number of nasal opiate antagonist doses throughout each facility so staff can respond quickly to overdoses.
• The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of health, must train department employees on recognizing the symptoms of an opiate overdose and how to administer nasal opiate antagonists.

How this changes current law

• Establishes a new statutory requirement (OPIATE ANTAGONISTS) for the Department of Corrections.
• Codifies specific requirements to stock nasal opiate antagonists, distribute them across facilities for rapid access, and provide mandated training for staff.

Implementation and scope

• Requires coordination with the Minnesota Department of Health for training.
• References to existing administration and coding provisions (e.g., administration guidelines in section 151.37 subdivision 12 and the definition of opiate antagonists in section 604A.04 subdivision 1).

Significance and potential impact

• Aims to reduce fatalities from opioid overdoses inside correctional facilities by ensuring timely access to reversal medications and trained staff.
• May involve costs for stocking supplies and providing ongoing training, plus alignment with current health and safety protocols.

Terminology and concepts (for quick reference)

• opiate antagonists
• nasal opiate antagonists
• overdose / opioid overdose
• correctional facilities / Department of Corrections
• staff training
• administration guidelines
• consultation with the commissioner of health
• Minnesota Statutes references (604A.04, 151.37)

Relevant Terms - opiate antagonists - nasal naloxone - overdose recognition - correctional facility - Department of Corrections - training - administration - health department coordination - Minnesota Statutes (604A.04, 151.37)