An Act To Clarify the Prescribing and Dispensing of Naloxone Hydrochloride by Pharmacists

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the State is facing a crisis due to the number of deaths caused by opioid-related drug overdoses; and

Whereas,  unanticipated confusion has arisen regarding the application of recently enacted laws that are intended to decrease the risks of opioid-related fatalities; and

Whereas,  this legislation clarifies a perceived ambiguity in order to facilitate the unimpeded and expedient implementation of these critically important laws in order to save lives; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2353, sub-§2, ¶E  is enacted to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill clarifies that a pharmacist may prescribe and dispense naloxone hydrochloride to an individual of any age who is at risk of experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose; is a member of the immediate family of, or a friend of, an individual at risk of experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose; or is in a position to assist an individual at risk of experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose.