Distributing Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication in Emergency Department and Behavioral Health Settings

Overview of New Requirements, Implementation Guidance, and Overdose Prevention Best Practices for Hospitals.

In response to Washington State’s high number of opioid overdose-related deaths, the legislature passed 2SSB 5195 earlier this year, which requires hospital emergency departments (EDs) and many behavioral health settings (e.g., inpatient psychiatric units, psychiatric hospitals) to dispense or distribute opioid overdose reversal medication (e.g., naloxone) to patients at risk of an opioid overdose for individual use after discharge. The purpose of the new law is to have individuals at-risk of an opioid overdose leave hospitals and behavioral health settings with opioid overdose reversal medication in hand.  Hospitals will also have to provide patients at risk of an opioid overdose with information about medications for opioid use disorder and harm reduction strategies.  (See WSHA’s  Bulletin for more information on the new requirements, effective January 1, 2022.)

This webinar will provide information and guidance for hospitals on implementing these new requirements.  It will also share resources, strategies, and best practices to support patients with opioid use disorders.