Opioid Antagonist Policy

The Oswego Public Library District (“Library”) is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all patrons, staff, and visitors.  As required by Illinois law1, the Library shall maintain a supply of opioid antagonists in an accessible location and ensure that authorized personnel are trained to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses.

I. PURPOSE

This purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for the storage, maintenance, and administration of opioid antagonists at Library in compliance with Public Act 104-0056 (the “Act”).

II. DEFINITIONS

Authorized Personnel: An employee or volunteer of the Library who has completed training in opioid overdose recognition and response, including administration of an opioid antagonist, as required under 75 ILCS 5/1-8(d).

Opioid Antagonist: A drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration or recommended for use by the World Health Organization that, when administered, negates or neutralizes in whole or in part the pharmacological effects of an opioid in the body. Opioid antagonists shall be limited to medications approved by the Illinois Department of Human Services for such purpose.

III. STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE

A. Opioid antagonists shall be stored in the Circulation Department near the AED machine and First Aid kit in clearly marked containers.

B. Storage locations shall be accessible to Authorized Personnel at all times during operating hours but secured from unauthorized access by the general public.

C. Inventory:

  1. The Library shall maintain a minimum supply of 2 doses of opioid antagonist(s) at each storage location.
  2. The Library Director or his/her designee shall conduct monthly inventory checks to ensure adequate supply and verify expiration dates.
  3. Expired medications shall be disposed of in accordance with guidance from the Illinois Department of Human Services and replaced promptly.

D. Procurement: The Library’s Director or his/her designee is responsible for purchasing and maintaining the Library's supply of opioid antagonists.

IV. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

During operating hours the Library shall take all reasonable steps necessary to have at least one Authorized Personnel present who has completed training in how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, including the administration of an opioid antagonist.

Training of Authorized Personnel shall include, at A minimum:

  1. Recognition of signs and symptoms of opioid overdose.
  2. Proper administration techniques for opioid antagonists.
  3. Emergency response procedures.
  4. Coordination with emergency medical services.
  5. Documentation requirements.

Training may be obtained through:

  1. Organizations recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health for providing opioid response training;
  2. Free resources available through the Illinois Department of Human Services
  3. Free resources available through the Illinois Department of Public Health; or 
  4. Other organizations qualified to provide such training as identified by the Director of Public Health

Training Records: 

  1. The Library aims to maintain records of all staff and volunteers who have completed the required training.
  2. Training completion certificates shall be kept in personnel files when feasible.
  3. Refresher training shall be provided bi-annually.

V. OPIOID ANTAGONIST ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES

Only Authorized Personnel may administer opioid antagonists on behalf of the Library.

Authorized Personnel may administer an opioid antagonist to any person whom the Authorized Personnel believes, in good faith, to be experiencing an opioid overdose.

Opioid antagonists may be administered:

  1. On Library grounds.
  2. In the immediate vicinity of the Library.
  3. At Library-sponsored events.

In the event and opioid antagonist is administered, Authorized Personnel shall: 

  1. Assess the situation and ensure scene safety.
  2. Call 911 immediately or direct another person to do so.
  3. If the person receiving an opioid antagonist is unresponsive and opioid overdose is suspected, administer the opioid antagonist according to training.
  4. Remain with the individual until emergency medical services arrive.
  5. Provide information to emergency responders about the administration of the opioid antagonist
  6. Complete incident documentation

Administration of opioid antagonists by Library staff is voluntary, and no employee or volunteer shall be required to administer an opioid antagonist or be subject to disciplinary action for declining to do so.

VI. EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATION

Emergency medical services (911) shall be contacted immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, regardless of whether an opioid antagonist is administered.  Authorized Personnel shall cooperate fully with emergency responders and provide all relevant information regarding the incident and any medication administered. The individual who received the opioid antagonist shall be monitored until emergency responders arrive, as additional doses may be necessary and medical evaluation is essential.

VII. DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING

Any administration of an opioid antagonist shall be documented using the Library's incident report form immediately after the incident is resolved or as soon as practicable after the incident has been resolved.

Incident Reports shall include:

  1. Date, time, and location of incident
  2. Name of Authorized Personnel who administered the medication
  3. Description of circumstances leading to administration
  4. Type and amount of opioid antagonist administered
  5. Response of the individual
  6. Emergency services contacted and response
  7. Names of witnesses, if any

Incident reports shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Personal identifying information about individuals who receive opioid antagonists shall not be disclosed except as required by law or for coordination with emergency services.

All incidents shall be promptly reported to the Library's insurance carrier by the Library Director in accordance with the Library's insurance policy requirements.

The Library Director shall review all incidents involving opioid antagonist administration and assess the need for policy updates or additional training.

VIII. LIABILITY AND IMMUNITY

Pursuant to 75 ILCS 5/1-8(e), the Library and its Authorized Personnel are immune from liability for the administration of an opioid antagonist under this policy, except for willful or wanton misconduct.

Authorized Personnel who administer opioid antagonists in good faith and in accordance with their training are acting within the scope of their employment/volunteer service.

IX. PATRON NOTIFICATION

The Library shall post signage in the Circulation area indicating that opioid antagonists are available on the premises, and information about the availability of opioid antagonists.

X. SOURCES OF OPIOID ANTAGONISTS

The Library may obtain opioid antagonists from any lawful source, including but not limited to:

  1. Retail pharmacies
  2. Manufacturers and distributors
  3. Public health departments
  4. Nonprofit organizations providing overdose prevention resources
  5. Other lawful sources

 

1Public Act 104-0056, which amended the Illinois Local Library Act (75 ILCS 5/1-8), was passed on August 1, 2025 and is effective January 1, 2026.

 

Approved 2-2026

Policy Type