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Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure Friday that amends the
Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act and allows
pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl testing strips
over the counter beginning Jan. 1.
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is taking far too many lives and
as we continue to take steps to address the opioid epidemic
affecting Illinois families, our priority with this legislation
is to single out fentanyl,” said the bill’s sponsor, State Rep.
Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, in March while introducing the
measure.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the
presence of fentanyl in various drugs like cocaine,
methamphetamine and heroin and drug forms like pills, powder and
injectables. FTS provide people who use drugs with information
about fentanyl in the illicit drug supply so they can take steps
to reduce risk of overdose.
Another law requires schools to carry opioid antagonists on
campus beginning next year.
Another school-related bill still awaits the governor’s
signature. State Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, crafted
legislation that requires information about the dangers of
fentanyl in every Illinois school district’s curriculum.
“Educating people of all ages on the dangers of potential
overdose is an effective way to help save lives and combat
overdoses long term,” said Ellman.
Pritzker already signed into law a measure that requires
for-profit music venues that have an occupancy of 1,000 or more
to have opioid overdose antidotes and trained staff on hand.
That law takes effect in June 2024.
“People go to a music festival or concert to enjoy themselves –
one bad decision should not cost them their life,” said the
bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago.
According to the CDC, over 150 people die every day nationwide
from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
According to the National Emergency Medical Services Information
System, Illinois ranks sixth nationally in nonfatal opioid
overdoses.
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