A 2253 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to dispensing certain controlled substances for use by a person with a substance use disorder

This bill authorizes paramedics to administer buprenorphine - a medication used to treat opioid overdoses - after receiving naloxone, following specific protocols. It requires the health commissioner to develop a training program for paramedics, which must include physician authorization and patient consent before administration. Paramedics who complete the training will be permitted to carry and administer buprenorphine during suspected overdose emergencies. The law directly affects emergency medical service paramedics in New York, creating a structured pathway for expanded overdose response.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Jan 13, 2026

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What changed between versions

A2253 → A2253A · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to broaden its scope from a specific training program for paramedics to a general authorization for dispensing controlled substances to people with substance use disorders. The changes allow emergency medical technicians and paramedics to administer these medications to relieve acute withdrawal symptoms, expanding eligibility beyond just suspected overdose cases. Additionally, the effective date was changed from a future date to immediate implementation, aligning it with other recent legislation.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a narrow focus on paramedic training for overdose reversal to a broader authority allowing various medical professionals to dispense controlled substances for substance use disorder treatment.

SCOPE

The primary focus shifted from creating a specific training program for paramedics to amending existing sections to allow the dispensing of controlled substances for substance use disorders.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility to receive controlled substances was expanded to include persons with substance use disorders or habitual users, specifically to relieve acute withdrawal symptoms.

The list of authorized personnel was expanded to include registered nurses and emergency medical technician-paramedics, in addition to practitioners.

TIMELINE

The effective date was changed from 180 days after enactment to immediate effect, with a provision to align with the timing of related 2025 legislation.

REQUIREMENT

The specific requirement for a commissioner-developed training program and associated materials was removed.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jan 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 2253A

lower

Jan 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO HEALTH

lower

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO HEALTH

lower

Jan 16, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO HEALTH

lower

1 primary · 4 co-sponsors