On December 12, 2025, Senate Bill S5922/A2725 was signed into law.

The law becomes enforceable on June 10, 2026, and requires private employers that must keep first aid supplies under federal rules to maintain an opioid antagonist (e.g., naloxone/Narcan) in the workplace.

The New York Department of Labor will issue rules on training and quantities, and chapter amendments clarify that the antagonist must be on site, not in every individual first aid kit.

This update is applicable to all employers that are required under federal law to keep first aid supplies available and takes effect on June 10, 2026.

What Employers Need to Do

• Confirm Coverage: Identify New York worksites where OSHA 1910.151 requires first aid supplies.

• Select Product(s): Choose over-the-counter (OTC) intranasal naloxone (e.g., Narcan 4 mg, RiVive 3 mg, or OTC generics).

• Place and Stock: Until NY DOL issues rules, co-locate at least two (2), two-dose cartons at primary response points (e.g., near AEDs, reception, guard stations) and post clear signage.

• Train Responders: Provide a brief, skills-based training on recognition, 911 activation, administration, repeat dosing, and post- incident steps, using CDC/NIOSH/SAMHSA/OOPP materials.

• Adopt Policy and SOPs: Add an Overdose Response Policy covering locations, roles, steps to respond, documentation, restocking, privacy, and references to the New York Public Health Law (PHL) § 3309 and the 911 Good Samaritan Law.”

• Track Inventory: Maintain a log of kit locations, lot numbers, and expiration dates; document each use and restock promptly.

• Monitor Rulemaking: Watch for NY DOL guidance on required training and minimum quantities; update your plan accordingly.

Overview

• Scope: Applies to private New York employers already required by OSHA to have first‑aid supplies available (e.g., where a clinic or hospital is not in close proximity).

• Products: Over‑the‑counter (OTC) naloxone options include Narcan 4 mg and RiVive 3 mg, plus OTC generics; higher‑dose sprays (e.g., Kloxxado 8 mg) and auto‑injectors remain prescription‑only.

• Protections: Public Health Law § 3309 grants civil, criminal, and professional immunity for good‑faith administration; New York’s 911 Good Samaritan Law protects those who call for emergency help during a suspected overdose.

Why this matters

• Life-saving Readiness: Naloxone rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, including those involving fentanyl; repeat doses may be needed every two to three minutes until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives.

• Compliance Clarity: Ties directly to existing federal first aid obligations, reducing guesswork while state rules on training and quantities are finalized.

• Liability Assurance: Good faith responders and employers have statutory protection, encouraging timely intervention without fear of legal exposure.

Source References

• New York – Senate Bill S5922A – Requires employers to include an opioid antagonist where first aid kits are required by federal law

Resources

• New York – Public Health Law Section 3309

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