HARTFORD — Gov. Dannel Malloy wants Connecticut cities and towns to ensure emergency responders are equipped with overdose reversal drugs and trained to administer the medication.
The Democrat’s legislation would also prohibit commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone.
While no plans currently require prior authorization, Malloy warned Friday that such a requirement could create a barrier to individuals seeking the drug.
Connecticut State Police troopers have saved 63 lives using a law adopted in 2014 that authorizes anyone to administer an opioid antagonist if they believe, in good faith, someone is experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose. Previously, only licensed health care practitioners were allowed to administer the drug without facing civil or criminal liability.
After the law passed, troopers were trained to administer the medication.
