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 designated individuals acting under the prescriber's direction. Additionally, it mandates that when a prescriber issues a prescription for an opioid, they must also provide a prescription for an opioid antagonist to the patient. This aims to ensure that individuals at risk have immediate access to life-saving medication.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the responsibilities and protections for those involved in the dispensing and administration of opioid antagonists. It specifies that individuals acting in good faith can possess and dispense these medications without liability for any adverse outcomes, provided they follow the appropriate guidelines. The bill also outlines the conditions under which agencies authorized to distribute opioid antagonists can operate, ensuring that they comply with existing laws related to opioid management. Overall, the amendments aim to improve public health responses to the opioid crisis by facilitating easier access to overdose prevention tools.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.17744