SB 25-066

Senate Bill 25-066, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to prevent the state from entering contracts with opioid medication distributors who have a history of being responsible for opioid-related overdoses. This means that if a distributor was found legally liable or paid fines related to causing such overdoses, they cannot be chosen by the Department of Public Health and Environment to handle bulk purchases and distribution of opioid antagonists like Narcan. The bill also mandates that the department must use a competitive process when selecting distributors for these contracts. This law ensures that only reputable companies are involved in distributing life-saving medications related to opioid overdose treatment.

Official Summary

Under current law, the opioid antagonist bulk purchase fund (fund) allows the department of public health and environment (department) to bulk purchase opioid antagonists and distribute them to eligible entities. In contracting for the bulk purchasing and distribution of opioid antagonists, the bill requires the department to contract with an opioid antagonist medication distributor. However, the bill prohibits the department from contracting with an opioid antagonist medication distributor if the distributor: Was found liable for the manufacture or distribution of an opioid that resulted in an opioid-related overdose; Is or was a liable party to a settlement agreement for the manufacture or distribution of an opioid that resulted in an opioid-related overdose; or Is or was liable for a fine or penalty levied by a governmental entity for the manufacture or distribution of an opioid that resulted in an opioid-related overdose. The bill requires the department to implement a competitive selection process for the bulk purchase of opioid antagonists. The bill declares any contract or agreement that does not comply with the contracting requirements of the bill is void and unenforceable. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

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