HB3578 Summary

• Prescribers must dispense naloxone hydrochloride or FDA-approved opioid reversal drugs to patients at increased overdose risk, including those with overdose history, substance use disorder, or risk of returning to high opioid doses.

• Prescribers must provide education to patients on overdose prevention and naloxone use consistent with existing standard of care.

• Prescribers must provide overdose prevention education to designated persons or, for minors, to parents or guardians.

• Requirements do not apply to prescribers treating inmates or youth under Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice jurisdiction.

• Non-compliant prescribers are subject to administrative sanctions from their licensing board; this section does not create private lawsuits but does not limit liability for negligent failure to diagnose or treat patients.

• Effective January 1, 2022.