New York's S5922A Law: Naloxone Now Required in Workplace First Aid Kits

Published: August 1, 2026 · By Anne Johnson

What the Law Actually Says

New York's Senate Bill S5922-A was signed into law on December 13, 2025, adding a new Section 27-f to the state's Labor Law. The statute requires employers who are already subject to federal OSHA first aid requirements to also make an opioid antagonist — most commonly naloxone (Narcan) — available at the workplace. Governor Hochul signed a follow-up amendment, Assembly Bill A9453, on February 13, 2026, which revised the original statute. As amended, Section 27-f takes effect December 13, 2026.

Who Is Covered

The law applies to private employers that are already required, under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act and its standards, to maintain readily available first aid supplies. In practice, that means workplaces where a hospital, clinic, or infirmary is not "in near proximity" — the same trigger that creates a first aid kit obligation under 29 CFR 1910.151 also triggers the naloxone requirement under New York's new law.

What the Law Requires — and What It Doesn't

Employers must make an opioid antagonist available at the workplace for use in first aid or emergency treatment. A few details matter for compliance:

• The law does not require an opioid antagonist in every individual first aid kit — a centrally available supply can satisfy the requirement.
• The statute does not mandate a specific brand or delivery method. Nasal spray formulations are the most common choice, since some other opioid antagonist forms aren't practical for lay responders.
• The requirement is tied to the same "near proximity" test used for OSHA first aid obligations generally, so employers who already have a hospital or clinic close by may not be covered.

Preparing Before December 2026

The effective date gives covered employers time to plan, but the practical steps are straightforward: confirm whether your workplace already falls under OSHA's first aid supply requirement, add a naloxone supply to your emergency response plan, and make sure staff know where it's kept and how to use it. We cover the broader picture of naloxone in workplace first aid kits — including which industries are affected outside New York — in our companion guide on Narcan and naloxone requirements for workplaces and fleets.

FAQ

When does New York's naloxone law take effect?

December 13, 2026, following the amendment signed by Governor Hochul on February 13, 2026.

Do I need naloxone in every first aid kit, or just somewhere on-site?

The law does not require an opioid antagonist in every individual kit. A centrally located, readily available supply satisfies the requirement.

Does this apply to my business if I don't already have a first aid kit requirement?

No. The naloxone requirement is tied to employers already subject to OSHA's first aid supply requirement under 29 CFR 1910.151 — generally, workplaces not in near proximity to a hospital or clinic.