Pharmacists and Harm Reduction Agencies can now request naloxone standing orders from CDPHE

Senate Bill 15-053 expands access to the life-saving drug naloxone, used to reverse overdoses to narcotic drugs such as certain prescription medications and heroin. As a result of the new law, the chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) may issue standing orders for naloxone to be dispensed by pharmacies and harm reduction organization employees and volunteers who do not already have affiliated medical providers that can provide the orders.

The law helps expand statewide naloxone access to those who need it most and protects individuals from civil or criminal liability if they provide naloxone in good faith to an individual experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose.

“This legislation will save lives,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, chief medical offer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “While our first aim is prevent the abuse of both illegal and prescription opioids, we now can make a lifesaving antidote more readily available to people who can help someone at risk.”

For more resources on how to safely administer naloxone and to make a request for standing orders visit:  www.colorado.gov/cdphe/naloxoneorders.