This bill amends South Dakota law to allow employers to acquire and distribute opioid antagonists that are available over the counter without the need for a prescription. The existing law requires a licensed health care professional to dispense or distribute prescription opioid antagonists to employers, who must then develop protocols for their use and provide training to employees. However, the new language clarifies that these requirements do not apply to over-the-counter opioid antagonists, enabling employers to distribute them freely to any person on their premises.

Additionally, the bill provides legal protection for employers, employees, or authorized personnel from liability related to the administration or failure to administer an opioid antagonist, as long as their actions do not constitute gross negligence. This change aims to enhance access to life-saving opioid antagonists in workplaces, thereby addressing the opioid crisis more effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2025: 34-20A-105.1
Enrolled, 03/03/2025: 34-20A-105.1