6 U.S.C. § 216 Protection Against Potential Synthetic Opioid Exposure

• Library: United States Statutes
• Edition: 2023 Edition
• Currency: Current through P.L. 118-19 (published on www.congress.gov on 10/06/2023)

(a) In general

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall issue a policy that specifies effective protocols and procedures for the safe handling of potential synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, agents, other personnel, and canines, and to reduce the risk of injury or death resulting from accidental exposure and enhance post-exposure management.

(b) Training

(1) In general

Together with the issuance of the policy described in subsection (a), the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall require mandatory and recurrent training on the following:

(A) The potential risk of opioid exposure and safe handling procedures for potential synthetic opioids, including precautionary measures such as the use of personal protective equipment during such handling.

(B) How to access and administer opioid receptor antagonists, including naloxone, post-exposure to potential synthetic opioids.

(C) How to use containment devices to prevent potential synthetic opioid exposure.

(2) Integration

The training described in paragraph (1) may be integrated into existing training under section 211(l) of this title for U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, agents, and other personnel.

(c) Personal protective equipment, containment devices, and opioid receptor antagonists

Together with the issuance of the policy described in subsection (a), the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall ensure the availability of personal protective equipment, opioid receptor antagonists, including naloxone, and containment devices, to all U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, agents, other personnel, and canines at risk of accidental exposure to synthetic opioids.

(d) Oversight

To ensure effectiveness of the policy described in subsection (a)-

(1) the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall regularly monitor the efficacy of the implementation of such policy and adjust protocols and procedures, as necessary; and