Oak Lawn Public Library
Opioid Antagonist Policy
PURPOSE
Consistent with Illinois law, the Library wishes to obtain a supply of opioid antagonists for authorized Library personnel to administer in response to suspected opioid overdoses occurring on Library property.
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this policy these terms shall be defined as follows:
- Opioid Overdose – an acute condition which is the result of a consumption or use of one or more opiate-related substances causing an adverse reaction.
- Opioid Antagonist – a drug approved by the Department of Health that, when administered, negates the pharmacological effects of an opioid in the body.
- Authorized Personnel – any Library employee who had completed training to administer an opioid antagonist under this policy
- Secure Location – an unlocked location that is inaccessible to visitors during the Library’s operating hours.
GUIDELINES
The Director or designee shall obtain an opioid antagonist, for use by authorized Library personnel to assist those suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose at the Library, in accordance with Section 1 of the Illinois Local Library Act, 75 ILCS 5/1-8.
Only authorized Library personnel may administer an opioid antagonist. Prior to the administration of an opioid antagonist, authorized personnel must submit to the Director proof of completion of a training curriculum to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. The training curriculum may be conducted by the Library, in accordance with Section 1-8 of the Illinois Local Library Act, or by an organization recognized for providing such training.
Training must be completed annually. The training must comply with any training requirements under Section 1-8 of the Illinois Local Library Act and the corresponding rules and the requirements set forth in this policy.
Opioid antagonists shall be safely stored in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The Director or designee shall obtain sufficient supplies of opioid antagonists. Supplies will be inventoried and refreshed in accordance with internal procedures, manufacturer recommendations, and Department of Health guidelines. Opioid antagonists shall be made readily accessible to authorized personnel.
Authorized personnel may administer an opioid antagonist to any person whom they believe to be having an opioid overdose:
- While in the Library;
- While at a Library-sponsored event; or
- While in the immediate vicinity of the Library
Administration of an opioid antagonist is not required in situations where an opioid antagonist is unavailable, no authorized personnel are present, or there is uncertainty as to whether an overdose is occurring among other circumstances. This policy does not impose a duty on the Library or its personnel to administer an opioid antagonist.
INDEMNIFICATION
The Library and its authorized personnel are immune from liability for the administration of an opioid antagonist, except for willful or wanton conduct, as provided by law.
NON-EMPLOYEE ADMINISTRATION OF OPIOID ANTAGONISTS
Nothing in this policy is intended to regulate, restrict or otherwise deter other trained individuals from administering their own supply of opioid antagonists when responding in good faith to a suspected drug overdose occurring on Library property.
Adopted: 10/15/2019
Revised: 11/18/2025