Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act
The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to broaden the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program (COAPG). It creates a new “Overdose Data Collection Program” that states, units of local government, coalitions of law enforcement, and Indian tribes can implement. This program focuses on developing and using data collection tools— including mobile mapping apps and a web-based, mobile-friendly platform—to track locations of suspected overdoses (fatal and nonfatal) and the administration of opioid overdose reversal medications by first responders (such as police, firefighters, and EMS). The bill requires interoperability with existing overdose data systems and prioritizes data-driven public safety, behavioral health, and public health responses. It also expands who can receive COAPG funding (grant eligibility for coalitions of law enforcement for this specific program) and imposes audit and coordination requirements to avoid duplication and ensure consistency with federal data policy. In short, the bill aims to modernize and synchronize overdose data collection across multiple levels of government and law enforcement, improve real-time situational awareness, and support coordinated responses to overdoses by making data widely accessible and interoperable.
Key Points
- 1Creation of an Overdose Data Collection Program within COAPG: A new program under which states, local governments, coalitions of law enforcement, or Indian tribes develop and implement a data collection tool to track overdose locations and the administration of reversal medications.
- 2Eligibility expanded to coalitions of law enforcement: Coalitions of law enforcement agencies become eligible recipients of COAPG funds specifically for implementing the overdose data collection program, subject to the same application and authorization requirements as other eligible recipients.
- 3Interoperability and data sharing requirements: Programs must be interoperable with existing federal, state, local, and tribal overdose data tools, and data collected must be made available to federal, state, tribal, and territorial governments and coalitions of law enforcement agencies.
- 4Data collection tool requirements: Tools should track suspected fatal and nonfatal overdoses and the administration of opioid reversal medications by first responders, and may include mobile data mapping applications.
- 5Audit and consultation requirements: Applicants must audit available data/resources to avoid duplication and include this audit in their grant application; the Attorney General must consult with agencies that maintain overdose data tools, including the Office of National Drug Control Policy.