Act 139 - Naloxone Availability

What is Act 139? Originally signed into law in October of 2014, allowed “first responders” (police) to carry and administer Naloxone or Narcan Also allowed for family members of those addicted to opioids to be prescribed the drug in order to intervene in the event of an overdose Was a direct response to the number of opioid overdose fatalities that had occurred (from 3/100,000 in 1990 to 16/100,000 in 2011)

Act 139’s “Evolution” Based on the “success” of Naloxone/Narcan to thwart overdose when administered, Wolf orders State Physician General Dr. Rachel Levin to write a standing order for every Pennsylvanian to obtain it (April, 2015) Wolf declares immunity to any school official who is properly trained and administers the drug citing the phrasing of “ . . .immunity under various protective statutes for government officials” Based on this directive, and subsequent availability of the antidote several local schools begin to stock it as part of their standing orders (Fall 2015)

How does Act 139 impact schools? In the initial passage it did not . . . THEN

Governor’s Letter In a letter dated February 12, 2016 sent to all Superintendents, Wolf outlines a plan to make one carton of the nasally administered version available to all high schools free of charge. To receive the free dose schools would need: Standing orders allowing for the administration Board policy outlining storage, use, training, need for standing orders Properly trained personnel to administer

Use of Naloxone/Narcan Most recent statistics cite 320 lives saved through the administration by first responders since the initial passage in 2014 According to the data, no school districts have administered (of those equipped) Despite recent attention in the State around this topic making it appear “new”, it has been used in emergency rooms and by EMS providers as an antidote for just over 40 years

How Does It Work? Simply, Naloxone occupies/blocks the receptor sites in the central nervous system and prevents opiates from binding to the brain During an opiate overdose, the part of the brain controlling breathing is depressed and the patient can begin to exhibit signs of respiratory distress Reduce the potential for fatality based on early intervention

What Are Opioids/Opiates Most known and often associated opiate with the use of Naloxone/Narcan is heroin BUT, some more commonly abused opiates include: Oxycontin Percocet Vicodin Morphine Methadone

Considerations for School Availability by first responders (response time becomes paramount) What levels should stock Who administers Administration error & immunity

Questions