Governor John Carney on Thursday signed into law Senate Bill 48 to expand community access to the life-saving drug naloxone by making it possible for pharmacists to dispense the antidote without an individual prescription under the same legal protections afforded to doctors, peace officers, and people who participate in the Community-Based Naloxone Access Program.
Naloxone, an antidote to opioid overdoses, will be available at the pharmacy counter in participating pharmacies to anyone who is educated on its appropriate use and signs an acknowledgement form. The law ensures pharmacists can dispense naloxone responsibly without legal, criminal, or disciplinary adverse actions due to injuries or death sustained in connection with administering the drug. Senator Bryan Townsend and Representative David Bentz sponsored Senate Bill 48, and the legislation passed the General Assembly with unanimous support.
“Increasing our ability to prevent overdose deaths is vital to our response to the addiction epidemic,” said Governor Carney. “Naloxone can give people a second chance to get medical care and be connected to resources to treat their addiction. Signing this legislation empowers pharmacists to join the fight against opioid overdoses and save more lives. Thank you to Senator Townsend, Representative Bentz and all members of the General Assembly for their leadership on this issue.”
Read Governor Carney Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Overdose-Reversing Medication to Pharmacies on Delaware.gov
Learn more about BCCS’ Delaware Overdose Survival Education (DOSE) Training Program
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