HB 170 expands the list of licensed health professionals, emergency responders, or peace officers who may prescribe or administer naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), a pharmaceutical drug used to counter the effects of an opioid overdose. The bill also allows for certain health professionals to provide nasal naloxone to any person, family member, or friend of a person who is at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. Persons who are now permitted to prescribe, provide, or administer naloxone, if acting in good faith and with reasonable care, are granted immunity from drug offenses, criminal prosecution, civil liability, or professional disciplinary action.
Jurisdiction/Legislation Level
State
LCS Legislation Status
http://lsc.state.oh.us/coderev/hou130.nsf/House+Bill+Number/0170?OpenDoc...
Our Take on This Bill
The ACLU of Ohio supports programs such as this, which broaden the accessibility of potentially lifesaving drug treatments, encourage improved public safety, and reduce the impact of punitive drug policies. HB 170 advocates the common-sense approach of offering legal immunity for those working to prevent opioid overdose as well as those who help someone in an overdose situation. Addressing drug use and abuse from this perspective – one that encourages public health rather than criminal prosecution – reduces the number of individuals who needlessly end up in the criminal justice system.
Bill Status
Passed out of the House Health and Aging Committee on 09/30/13
Passed the House on 10/16/2013
Passed out of the Senate Medicaid, Health & Human Services on 2/19/14
Passed the Senate on 2/19/14
Signed by the Governor on 3/11/14
Committees
Health and Aging (H), Medicaid / Health / Human Services (S)
