This bill amends the Public Health Code to enhance the accessibility and distribution of opioid antagonists, which are critical in preventing opioid-related overdoses. It allows prescribers to issue prescriptions for opioid antagonists not only to patients at risk of overdose but also to family members, friends, and agencies authorized to distribute these medications. Additionally, when a prescription is issued to an agency or a third party, the prescriber must list the agency or individual as the patient.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that prescribers offer a prescription for an opioid antagonist to patients when certain conditions are met, such as when the prescribed opioid dosage is 50 morphine milligram equivalents or more per day, when prescribed alongside benzodiazepines, or when the patient has a history of overdose or substance use disorder. The bill also clarifies that individuals acting in good faith can possess and dispense opioid antagonists without liability, and it reinforces the legal protections for prescribers and pharmacists involved in the dispensing of these medications.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-1): 333.17744
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.17744
As Passed by the Senate: 333.17744