Lawmakers worked out the kinks Tuesday morning on a bill aimed to connect those who receive the overdose reversal drug Narcan with a recovery coach.
If passed this measure would require hospital emergency departments throughout the state to refer such patients to a trained mentor who can speak with the patient and link him or her to treatment.
The bill, however, does not require hospitals to hire any new employees.
Melissa Crews of Hope for New Hampshire Recovery told lawmakers having patients meet with someone immediately after an overdose is key.
“If we can get into them in that maybe hour when they have been given Narcan and their receptors are clear and they are clear thinking we kind have an opportunity to get more people help,” Crews said.
There are an estimated 200 trained recovery coaches now throughout the state.
The bill moves to the full Health and Human Services Committee for a vote, before heading to the House.
