Section 20-2-280 Opioid Antagonist Prescriptions; Administration; Liability.

(a) For the purposes of this section, “opioid antagonist” means naloxone hydrocholoride or other similarly acting drug that is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of an opioid overdose. (b) A physician licensed under Article 3 of Chapter 24 of Title 34, or dentist licensed under Chapter 9 of Title 34, acting in good faith may directly or by standing order prescribe, and a pharmacist licensed under Chapter 23 of Title 34, or a registered nurse in the employment of the State Health Department or a county health department, may dispense, an opioid antagonist to either of the following: (1) An individual at risk of experiencing an opiate-related overdose. (2) A family member, friend, member of a fire department, rescue squad, volunteer fire department personnel, or other individual, including law enforcement, in a position to assist an individual at risk of experiencing an opiate-related overdose. (c) As an indicator of good faith, the physician or dentist, prior to prescribing an opioid antagonist under this section, may require receipt of a written communication that provides a factual basis for a reasonable conclusion as to either of the following: (1) The individual seeking the opioid antagonist is at risk of experiencing an opiate-related overdose. (2) The individual other than the individual at risk of experiencing an opiate-related overdose and who is seeking the opioid antagonist is in relation to the individual at risk of experiencing an opiate-related overdose as a family member, friend, or otherwise in the position to assist the individual. (d) An individual who receives an opioid antagonist that was prescribed pursuant to subsection (b) may administer an opioid antagonist to another individual if he or she has a good faith belief that the other individual is experiencing an opiate-related overdose and he or she exercises reasonable care in administering the opioid antagonist. Evidence of exercising reasonable care in administering the opioid antagonist shall include the receipt of basic instruction and information on how to administer the opioid antagonist. (e) All of the following individuals are immune from any civil or criminal liability for actions authorized under this article: (1) A physician or dentist who prescribes an opioid antagonist pursuant to subsection (b) and who has no managerial authority over the individuals administering the opioid antagonist or the State Health Officer or any county health officer who issues standing orders or other requirements pursuant to subsection (b). (2) An individual who administers an opioid antagonist pursuant to subsection (d). (3) A pharmacist, or registered nurse in the employment of the State Health Department or a county health department, who dispenses an opioid antagonist pursuant to subsection (b).