New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05922

Introduced
3/4/25  

Caption

Requires employers to include an opioid antagonist where first aid kits are required by federal law.

Impact

If enacted, S05922 would lead to significant changes in workplace safety regulations in New York State. Employers would be obligated to not only supply basic first aid items but also be specifically prepared for opioid emergencies. The requirement is particularly impactful in industries that may face higher risks of opioid incidents, including health services and manual labor jobs, where emergency response time can greatly affect outcomes. The law underscores the state's commitment to combating the opioid crisis and protecting workers' health and safety.

Summary

Bill S05922, introduced by Senator Fernandez, mandates that all employers, who are required by federal law to maintain first aid supplies, must include an opioid antagonist in those supplies. This legislation aims to address the critical issue of opioid overdoses in workplaces, ensuring that immediate treatment options are available in case of an emergency involving opioids. The inclusion of an opioid antagonist, such as Naloxone, in first aid kits is intended to provide swift intervention that could potentially save lives during an overdose situation.

Contention

While the bill is largely supportive in the health community as a crucial step in addressing the opioid epidemic, there may be points of contention regarding the burden placed on employers. Critics could argue about the additional costs and responsibilities imposed, particularly on small businesses that may struggle to comply with such mandates. Advocates, on the other hand, may emphasize the ethical responsibility of employers to safeguard their employees, especially given the rising statistics related to overdoses. The dialogue surrounding this bill could lead to discussions about the best support mechanisms for both businesses and workers in the event of an opioid-related emergency.

Companion Bills

NY A02725

Same As Requires employers to include an opioid antagonist where first aid kits are required by federal law.

Previously Filed As

NY A02725

Requires employers to include an opioid antagonist where first aid kits are required by federal law.

NY A09453

Relates to requirements regarding employers including opioid antagonists where first aid kits are required by federal law; amends the effectiveness thereof.

NY S08770

Relates to requirements regarding employers including opioid antagonists where first aid kits are required by federal law; amends the effectiveness thereof.

NY A08461

Requires employers to include an epinephrine auto-injector device where first aid kits are required by federal law.

NY A10060

Authorizes high schools to include opioid overdose prevention and non-intravenous opioid antagonist administration as optional part of required health education courses; authorizes certain students to administer non-intravenous opioid antagonists.

NY S08153

Requires opioid antagonists in student gathering places at colleges and universities; requires college and university emergency medical services to carry and have readily available opioid antagonists.

NY HB1006

Public Health, Department of; require inclusion of an opioid antagonist in first aid kits maintained at certain establishments

NY A08814

Requires school districts, public libraries, BOCES, county vocational education and extension boards, charter schools, and non-public schools to provide and maintain on-site opioid antagonists; requires the department of health to provide such opioid antagonists to such entities upon request.

NY S09272

Requires school districts, public libraries, BOCES, county vocational education and extension boards, charter schools, and non-public schools to provide and maintain on-site opioid antagonists; requires the department of health to provide such opioid antagonists to such entities upon request.

NY S04640

Authorizes the commissioner of health to establish standards for approval of onsite overdose response services; requires nightlife establishments, sporting or event centers, theaters, concert venues, and amusement parks to maintain a supply of opioid antagonists; provides that emergency use of opioid antagonist is covered by good Samaritan law.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.