Gov. Mills signs Sen. Baldacci bill to reduce overdose deaths by expanding EMS training for Narcan

AUGUSTA — Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor. LD 981, “An Act to Require All Emergency Medical Services Persons to Be Trained in the Dispensing of Naloxone Hydrochloride,” requires EMS personnel to be trained in how to administer Naloxone Hydrochloride, commonly referred to as Narcan.

“The ongoing challenges with drug overdoses in Maine have caused pain and heartbreak in all of our counties,” said Sen. Baldacci. “My hope is that with this legislation, more lives can be saved from overdosing, and more folks, when they are ready, can receive the correct care and assistance they need. Addiction is a disease that takes an incredible toll, and the stigma against those struggling with it must come to an end. I am thankful for my colleagues for their votes getting this bill to the Governor, as well as Tonya Dickey, a constituent of mine who presented this bill idea to me.”

LD 981 requires EMS personnel to be trained in how to administer Narcan. The training will instruct personnel how to properly administer Naloxone Hydrochloride in the event a person is overdosing. In addition to training, personnel will be required to carry Narcan on their person and be prepared to dispense as needed to save lives.

The law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.