SB318 Summary

• Authorizes physicians and dentists to prescribe naloxone (opioid antagonist) to individuals at risk of opiate overdose or to family members, friends, and law enforcement positioned to assist those at risk.

• Provides immunity from civil and criminal liability to physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and individuals who administer opioid antagonists, except for unreasonable, wanton, willful, or intentional conduct.

• Grants immunity from prosecution for individuals under 21 who possess or consume alcohol and for any individual who commits a misdemeanor controlled substance offense if law enforcement discovers the violation solely because they were seeking medical assistance for another person.

• Requires immunity protections apply only when the person seeking assistance acts in good faith, uses their own name when contacting authorities, and remains with the person needing help until assistance arrives.

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