New NYS law to require employers to have drug overdose medication

Many shops, restaurants and other privately operated workplaces on Long Island will need to keep a stock of naloxone — the medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose — on hand starting Dec. 13.

That’s when a new law goes into effect requiring opioid antagonists to be added to other first-aid supplies at these locations.

On Sept. 23, the state Department of Labor proposed new regulations to help employers determine how much of the medication should be available, depending on the number of workers and size of the workplace. Company volunteers also need to be trained on how to administer the medication.

The public comment period for the regulations runs through Nov. 22.

"Anything that will help us prevent fatalities is a step in the right direction, especially since accidental drug overdoses remain a leading cause of death among Americans," said Jeffrey Reynolds, president and CEO of the Garden City-based Family & Children’s Association. "Naloxone should be ubiquitous; it’s safe, cheap, easily administered and unquestionably saves lives."

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill in December 2025 after legislators argued opioid misuse or abuse "can lead to work-related injuries or illnesses, chronic medical conditions, over-prescription in employee health services or health plans, and over-prescription in workers' compensation medical care," according to the sponsor memorandum.

"This legislation is a common-sense workplace safety measure that will save lives," Assemb. Amy Paulin (D-Westchester), a main sponsor of the bill, said in a statement after it was signed.

The bill does not cover state or public authorities or governmental agencies.

Opioid antagonists, such as the nasal spray with the brand name Narcan, bind to opioid receptors and block the effect of the drugs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Free training and naloxone kits are available across Long Island by community groups that are part of the state Health Department’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program.

"The deadly overdose epidemic continues to impact every community across New York State, and fighting the epidemic includes equipping individuals, communities, organizations and agencies with the right tools," Health Department spokesperson Cadence Acquaviva said. "By making naloxone widely available, we ensure New Yorkers are prepared to provide immediate assistance to someone in crisis, potentially saving their life."

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.