What happened?

On August 8, 2024, Governor Newsom signed AB 1996, which requires certain venues to include unexpired doses of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist on their premises, as well as train employees on their handling and must be available to the emergency responders.

What are the details?

Key Bites for Employers:

• Amends the California Health and Safety Code to enhance opioid overdose preparedness at public venues.

• Requires each stadium, concert venue, and amusement park to:
  • Maintain unexpired doses of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist on their premises.
  • Ensure at least two employees are aware of the location of these opioid antagonists.
  • Make the opioid antagonists easily accessible and their location widely known, including to emergency responders on the premises.
  • The State Department of Public Health is tasked with developing an opioid overdose training program for these establishments.

Business Considerations

• Employers should incorporate naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist on their premises, as well as provide training so adequate management is ensured. It must also be readily available and known to emergency responders.

Source References

• CA AB 1996
• New California Bills Would Require Naloxone in the Workplace to Respond to Drug Overdoses (Ogletree Deakins)

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