To combat the continuing rise in opioid related deaths in Illinois and potentially save a life, Glen Ellyn Public Library has instituted an Opioid Overdose Prevention Program. This document sets forth the required policies and procedures necessary to provide and maintain intranasal naloxone on-site to ensure ready and appropriate access for use during emergencies to any patron or staff member suspected of having an opioid overdose. Glen Ellyn Public Library will partner with the DuPage Narcan Program, a program of the DuPage County Health Department, and will adhere to all requirements stipulated by the partner organization, all applicable laws and regulations, in addition to the procedures listed in this document.
Illinois Legal Framework
To combat the continuing rise in opioid related deaths, the Illinois State Legislature has amended laws to enable strategies to reduce deaths attributable to opioid overdose. In summary, the law supports naloxone administration as a standard tool, use in an emergency/overdose scenario, training for all persons including non-health care professionals to use, and elimination of fear of liability or punishment in the event of use. Public Libraries who choose to participate, act reasonably and in good faith, shall not be subject to criminal, civil or administrative liability solely by administering naloxone and may maintain naloxone on-site in adequate supplies. Choosing to participate permits employees who volunteer, and volunteer workers, to be trained in accordance with public health laws to administer naloxone without liability.
Applicable Illinois Laws
Illinois Public Act 096-0361 (20 ILCS 301/5-23 New) makes it legal in Illinois for non-medical persons to administer Naloxone to another individual in order to prevent an opioid/heroin overdose from becoming fatal.
745 ILCS 49/ Good Samaritan Act protects from liability or punishment: “The person shall not, as a result of his or her acts or omissions, be liable for any violation of [professional practice acts] or any other professional licensing statue, or subject to any criminal prosecution arising from or relating to the unauthorized practice of medicine or the possession of an opioid antidote.”