The 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, it mandates that prescribers offer a prescription for an opioid antagonist to patients receiving high-dose opioid prescriptions or those prescribed opioids alongside benzodiazepines, as well as to patients with a history of overdose or substance use disorder.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that individuals acting in good faith can possess and dispense opioid antagonists without liability, and it ensures that agencies and their employees can administer and distribute these medications under the relevant laws. The amendments also specify that when a prescription is issued to an agency or a third party, the name of the agency or individual must be recorded as the patient. Overall, the bill aims to improve public health responses to the opioid crisis by facilitating the availability of life-saving medications.

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