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SPRINGFIELD—Thanks this week to Illinois State Senator Karina Villa and State Representative Maurice West who were able to continue the push Senate Bill 3779 and House Bill 5529 out of committees this week. Their bills, which would allow social workers to carry and administer opioid antagonists, are an NASW-Illinois Chapter initiative.
From the Illinois Senate Democrats website:
“The opioid epidemic is still ongoing and we must do everything we can to prevent future fatalities from occurring,” said Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “Licensed clinical social workers and licensed social workers are on the frontlines of these issues severely affecting our communities and should be allowed to administer lifesaving medication.”
Senate Bill 3779 allows a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker to possess and administer opioid antagonists. Opioid antagonists, such as Naloxone, temporarily block the effects of an overdose and restore breathing. Employers of social workers would be required to provide training and establish a policy to control the acquisition, storage, transportation, and administration of opioid antagonists.
“Providing social workers with the ability to administer opioid antagonists will save lives,” said Villa. “These are individuals who work closely with affected communities and have the professional capability of adequately administering this medication.”
Senate Bill 3779 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee on March 6, 2024. House Bill 5529 passed the House Public Health Committee on March 7, 2024.
For more advocacy-related news from the NASW-Illinois Chapter, visit the "Advocacy" sub-tab on our "News" page.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with over 120,000 members. The NASW-Illinois Chapter is one of the association's largest chapters representing over 20,000 licensed Illinois social workers and school social workers, with over 5,000 active members. NASW strives to advance social work careers, grow social work businesses, and protect the profession.