§ 20-13-1804 — Opioid antagonist - Immunity

(a) A healthcare professional acting in good faith may directly or by standing order prescribe, dispense, and supply an opioid antagonist to: (1) A person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose; (2) A family member, friend, or other individual in a position to assist an individual at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose; (3) An individual who is employed or contracted by a public or private organization, including without limitation: (A) A state, municipal, or county entity; (B) A hospital or clinic; (C) A law enforcement agency; (D) A harm reduction organization; (E) A shelter or homeless services organization; (F) An educational institution; (G) A building manager; or (H) A pain management center; (4) An emergency medical services technician; (5) A first responder; (6) A law enforcement officer; or (7) An employee of the State Crime Laboratory. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, an individual that has been prescribed, dispensed, or supplied with an opioid antagonist under subsection (a) of this section: (1) Shall follow manufacturer instructions for storage, replacement, and disposal of the opioid antagonist; and (2) May provide the opioid antagonist, directly or indirectly, and at no cost, to a person described in subdivision (a)(1) or (2) of this section. (c) If an individual listed in subsection (a) of this section does not have access to a healthcare practitioner to issue a standing order for a prescription for an opioid antagonist, then the Secretary of the Department of Health, or his or her designee who is otherwise authorized to prescribe an opioid antagonist, may issue a standing order for an individual to act under subsection (b) of this section. (d) A person acting in good faith who reasonably believes that another person is experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose may administer an opioid antagonist that was prescribed, dispensed, or supplied under subsection (a) of this section. (e) The following individuals are immune from civil liability, criminal liability, or professional sanctions for administering, prescribing, dispensing, or supplying an opioid antagonist under this section: (1) A healthcare professional who prescribes an opioid antagonist under subsection (a) of this section; (2) A healthcare professional or pharmacist who acts in good faith and in compliance with the standard of care that dispenses or supplies an opioid antagonist under subsection (a) of this section; and (3) A person other than a healthcare professional who administers an opioid antagonist under subsection (d) of this section or who is supplied with an opioid antagonist under subsection (a) of this section.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2023, No. 586,§ 2, eff. 4/11/2023. Amended by Act 2017, No. 70,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Added by Act 2015, No. 1222,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.