HB208 Summary

• Physicians and dentists may prescribe opioid antagonists (naloxone) directly or by standing order to individuals at risk of opiate overdose or to those positioned to assist them, including law enforcement.

• Pharmacists may dispense opioid antagonists pursuant to physician or dentist prescriptions to either individuals at overdose risk or their family members, friends, or others able to assist.

• Individuals who receive prescribed opioid antagonists may administer them to others experiencing opiate overdose if acting in good faith with reasonable care and basic instruction.

• Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and individuals administering opioid antagonists are immune from civil and criminal liability for authorized actions under the act.

• Individuals under 21 or those with misdemeanor controlled substance offenses are protected from prosecution if law enforcement became aware of the offense solely because they sought medical assistance for another individual, provided they acted in good faith, used their own name, and remained present until help arrived.

• The Alabama Department of Public Health must approve a specific training curriculum for law enforcement officers who elect to carry and administer opioid antagonists by January 1, 2016.