What happened?

On March 13, 2025, the Utah House passed House Bill 361 (HB 361). If signed by the governor, this bill will require the creation of training and educational materials regarding recognizing a drug overdose.

Overview:

The “Opioid Overdose Training Amendments” aims to enhance training programs related to opioid overdose prevention and response, seeking to improve the effectiveness of training programs and ensure that more individuals are equipped to respond to opioid overdoses.

Key Amendments:

1. Training and Educational Materials: The bill requires the Division of Integrated Healthcare within the Department of Health and Human Services to create training and educational materials on recognizing drug overdoses.

2. Alcohol Training and Education Seminars: It mandates that certain trainees in alcohol training and education seminars receive training on recognizing drug overdoses and administering opioid antagonists.

3. Liability Protection: The bill provides that receiving drug overdose training and educational materials does not create or increase liability for the individual who receives them.

4. Technical and Conforming Changes: The bill includes various technical and conforming changes to existing laws.

Additional Details:

• Impacted Employers: This will primarily affect employers who conduct alcohol training and education seminars, including those in the hospitality industry (bars, restaurants, hotels), retailers (liquor stores), event venues (concert halls, sports arenas, banquet facilities), and training providers.

• Impact on Employers:

1. Training Requirements: Employers must add opioid overdose training to their alcohol education programs, requiring extra sessions and materials.
2. Liability Protection: The bill protects employers and employees from liability for participating in the training.
3. Standardized Materials: Employers must use standardized materials from the Division of Integrated Healthcare to ensure consistent and accurate training.
4. Broader Reach: Employers must now include opioid overdose training in mandatory alcohol programs, leading to a more informed workforce.

“Please mark the effective date on your calendar as a reminder to be fully prepared and ready to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.”

Source References

• UT HB 361

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