SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California could soon become the first state in the nation to require naloxone to be available in all workplaces.
Naloxone is a fast-acting, anti-overdose medication commonly administered as a nasal spray. California has enacted similar laws to increase the availability of the drug to counteract the rise in fentanyl overdoses.
“Until we can cut off the supply of fentanyl to our state, we have a responsibility to make sure that we’re saving as many lives as possible — especially the lives of our youth,” said Assemblymember Matt Haney in a press release.
Haney authored Assembly Bill 1976 to require all first-aid kits in workplaces to contain naloxone spray.
The implementation of AB 1976 would be overseen by Cal-OSHA. They would need to draft the new regulations by December 2027.
More than 6,400 people died from a fentanyl overdose in 2022, according to the California Department of Public Health.
“Having overdose-reversal medications available can save a life and when it’s in a place where it’s accessible, we can get it to people quicker and it will help ensure that we can reverse that overdose,” said Haney at a press conference.
Earlier this year, California began distributing its own version of naloxone through CalRx, which is available for free for eligible organizations. It's part of Newsom’s master plan to tackle the fentanyl and opioid crisis.
Assembly Bill 1976 passed out of the legislature with strong bipartisan support. It's currently sitting on Governor Newsom’s desk. He has until Sept. 30 to sign the bill.
