Amendment #14 to H3944

Substance Abuse Evaluations

Mr. Fernandes of Milford moves to amend the bill as follows:

SECTION 16 (b) is amended by striking the number "24" in each instance and inserting in place thereof the number "12".

SECTION 16 (b) is further amended at the end of the first sentence by adding the following: ", either in person or via telemedicine, if geographic or other barriers exist."

SECTION 16 (b) is further amended by adding at the end thereof the following: “No physician shall be held liable in a civil suit for holding a patient against their will while awaiting a substance abuse evaluation.  No physician shall be held liable in a civil suit for releasing a patient who does not wish to remain in the emergency department after stabilization but before the substance abuse evaluation can take place.”

SECTION 16 (c) is hereby further amended by adding the following at the end thereof:  including but not limited to a prescription for a naloxone rescue kit or a take home naloxone rescue kit, if so desired by the patient.