S.B. 2247 Summary

• Authorizes registered pharmacists to prescribe and dispense opioid antagonists (such as naloxone) to individuals at risk for opioid overdose, and to family members or caregivers of at-risk individuals, without requiring a written collaborative agreement with a physician.

• Requires pharmacists dispensing opioid antagonists to complete approved training programs (ACPE-accredited or recognized by the board) and provide recipients with written educational materials on overdose risk factors, signs, response steps, and medication use.

• Permits opioid antagonists to be prescribed in the name of the individual at risk or under "Opioid Antagonist Recipient" (OAR) designation when dispensed to family members or caregivers.

• Amends Hawaii pharmacy regulations to exempt opioid antagonist prescriptions from standard patient name labeling requirements on dispensed medications and out-of-state prescription identification procedures.

• Effective July 1, 2018.