To combat the continuing rise in opioid-related deaths in New York State (NYS), laws were amended to allow NYS public libraries to participate in opioid overdose prevention programs by partnering with a New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)-registered opioid overdose prevention programs. Public libraries that choose to participate and whose personnel are acting reasonably and in good faith, shall not be subject to criminal, civil or administrative liability solely by reason of such action and may maintain on-site, opioid antagonists in adequate supplies and types. Choosing to participate as an opioid antagonist recipient permits employees who volunteer, and volunteer workers to be trained in accordance with Public Health Law §3309 to administer an opioid antagonist in the event of an emergency without liability. Sample library policies, guidelines, a directory of NYSDOH registered programs and more info can be found at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/opioid/index.html.
