Overdose Confidentiality (S 2545A)

Another well-intentioned piece of legislation, addressing the opioid overdose crisis, threatened to erode the trust addicted people have with their doctors by allowing doctors to break confidentiality and tell family members and friends of a person's addicted status - even over their express wishes - in the case of an overdose. The ACLU testified that such a proposal undermines doctor-patient confidentiality and could leave those with addictions, not yet ready to reveal their illness to their families, less likely to seek much-needed treatment. The Senate approved the legislation in June, but it did not receive a hearing in the House.