Illinois public libraries must now maintain a supply of opioid overdose reversal medication, following the passage and signing of a new law aimed at combating the growing opioid crisis across the state.

The law, officially an amendment to the Illinois Local Library Act (HB1910), mandates that all libraries open to the general public keep opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, easily accessible on site. The term “opioid antagonist” refers to medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or recommended by the World Health Organization that can neutralize or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The state’s Department of Human Services will approve the specific medications used.

The legislation defines “authorized personnel” as any library employee or volunteer who has completed opioid overdose response training. During operating hours, each library must have at least one trained individual present to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, including the administration of these life-saving medications. Training can be obtained from recognized organizations or created by the library using open-access resources from the Departments of Human Services or Public Health.

Libraries and their authorized personnel who act in good faith to assist someone believed to be experiencing an opioid overdose are granted immunity from liability, except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct. The law also allows libraries to receive opioid antagonists from “any lawful source,” potentially reducing barriers to stocking these medications.