Colorado overdose trends review committee - recommendations - report

(1) The department shall convene interested stakeholders for the purpose of developing recommendations for the establishment of an overdose trends review committee that would be responsible for: (a) Identifying and reviewing certain cases of nonfatal and fatal drug-related overdoses that occur in Colorado; (b) Identifying the causes of overdoses and overdose-related deaths and conducting a review of other factors including, but not limited to, housing status or criminal justice system involvement; (c) Developing evidence-based recommendations to address preventable overdose-related deaths, including legislation, policies, areas for scientific research, rules, training, and best practices that support the health and safety of individuals who use substances that may cause overdoses in Colorado and prevent overdose-related deaths; (d) Making annual policy-related and funding-related recommendations to the governor and the general assembly about drug trends, including synthetic drugs that may impact the health and well-being of Coloradans and that present a high risk for causing overdose-related deaths; and (e) Establishing a process for data sharing between state departments, counties, and other relevant entities in order to access necessary data concerning nonfatal and fatal drug-related overdoses in Colorado. (2) In convening the interested stakeholders pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the department shall invite a variety of interested stakeholders, including public health experts, physicians, law enforcement, coroners, and persons who have experienced an overdose. (3) On or before September 1, 2023, the department shall submit a report of its recommendations regarding the establishment of an overdose trends review committee to the joint budget committee and any substance use interim committee existing at that time. (4) The department shall establish an overdose trends review committee by September 1, 2024.