HB 794

Department of Health; reduction of opioid overdose and opioid overdose deaths; report. Designates the Department of Health as the lead agency responsible for the coordination of activities to reduce rates of opioid overdose and opioid overdose deaths in the Commonwealth. The bill directs the Department to (i) develop a strategic plan to reduce rates of opioid overdose and opioid overdose deaths in the Commonwealth, (ii) coordinate efforts across state agencies to reduce rates of opioid overdose and opioid overdose deaths in the Commonwealth, and (iii) monitor the implementation and outcome of efforts to reduce rates of opioid overdose and opioid overdose deaths in the Commonwealth. The bill directs the Department to work with the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources, Education, and Public Safety and Homeland Security and such other stakeholders and state agencies as may be appropriate. The bill requires the Department to report annually to the General Assembly by December 1 regarding the implementation of the plan and outcome of efforts to reduce rates of opioid overdose and opioid overdose deaths in the Commonwealth. The bill is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care.