The hearing on HB2436 was opened.

Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of HB2436 (Attachment 1) .

Representative Pat Proctor, provided testimony in support of HB2436 (Attachment 2). There is an escalating crisis in the state regarding drug overdoses. There has been enough fentanyl seized by law enforcement to kill every man, woman and child 5 times over. 60% of the pills seized are mislabeled. These overdoses are preventable through the timely administration of naxolone. While naxolone is assigned an expiration date, evidence demonstrates that it does not lose its effectiveness at that point and remains viable beyond the expiration date. Allowing the use of expired naxolone during emergency overdose situations will ensure preventable loss of life. 

Drew Adkins, Commissioner for Behavioral Health Services, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, provided proponent testimony on HB2436 (Attachment 3). The bill promotes a more efficient and trusted system by increasing user confidence, improving access to needed services, reducing wasteful expenditures and enhances Kansas' ability to prevent and respond to opioid overdose. The bill also encourages trust in the product past its expiration date. This allows for greater availability, increase user confidence, reduce waste and decreased cost.

Chrissy Mayer, Chief Community-Based Services Officer, DCCCA, provided testimony in support of HB2436 (Attachment 4). Naxolone has a manufacturer's shelf life of 3 to 4 years depending on brand. Numerous studies have been done to demonstrate the effectiveness of naxolone for decades beyond the expiration date. Ensuring broad access to naxolone, with science based justification beyond the expiration date, will save lives and continue to combat the continuing opioid crisis

Ed Klumpp, Legislative Liaison, Kansas Peace Officers Association, provided proponent testimony on HB2436 (Attachment 5). For law enforcement, a great deal of naxolone is not used by the expiration date. The bill will save substantial dollars while allowing lives to be saved. Data has been shown that there is no significant loss of effectiveness after the expiration date.

Mr. Klumpp responded to questions from the committee.

Amber Saale, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2436 (Attachment 6). Ms. Saale provided information regarding the loss of her daughter to an opioid overdose. What has come to be realized after the death is that minutes matter and hesitation costs lives. The bill removes a legal and psychological barrier. The bill will reduce hesitation, expand access and help prevent other families from living a nightmare.

Stacey Rogers, Private Citizen, provided proponent testimony on HB2436 (Attachment 7). Naxolone is a medication that has no abuse potential, does not get someone high, and does not harm someone if opioids are not present. Its only purpose is to reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing. In an overdose emergency, time is everything. Expired naxolone is better than no naxolone. The bill is a practical, compassionate, and evidence-based bill. It removes confusion, encourages people to act and prioritizes saving lives.

Written only proponent testimony was provided by the following:

Dr. Dereck Totten, Chief Medical Officer, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (Attachment 8)

Karen Braman, Senior Vice President, Clinical and Strategic Initiatives, Kansas Hospital Association (Attachment 9)

Stuart Little on behalf of the Behavioral Health Association of Kansas (Attachment 10)

Sharen and Lee Lucero, Private Citizens (Attachment 11)

Kyle Kessler, Executive Director, Association of Community Mental Health Center of Kansas (Attachment 12)

Maryjane Saale, Private Citizen (Attachment 13)

Sadie Saale-Andrews, Private Citizen (Attachment 14)

Carlos Gutierrez, Vice President, State and Local Government Affairs, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, provided written only testimony in opposition to HB2436 (Attachment 15).

Alexandra Blasi, Executive Secretary, Kansas Board of Pharmacy, provided neutral written only testimony on HB2436 (Attachment 16).

The hearing for HB2436 was closed.