Washington Laws Allow Naloxone Treatment for Drug Overdose

July 1, 2010 2:07 pm

Effective June 10, 2010, new laws in Washington state allow access to naloxone to treat patients suffering from opiate-related overdose. Under the Regulation of Health Professions – Uniform Disciplinary Act, the administering, dispensing, prescribing, purchasing, acquisition, possession, or use of naloxone is allowed, and not considered unprofessional conduct, if the drug is being used to treat an individual experiencing, or likely to experience, an opiate-related overdose. The drug may also be provided to another individual such as a family member, friend, or other individual in a position to assist in the treatment of a patient experiencing, or likely to experience, an opiate-related overdose. Naloxone must be prescribed and dispensed as a legend drug. In addition, a new law under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, provides limited immunity from prosecution for people who seek or provide medical assistance for themselves or another individual experiencing an apparent drug-related overdose. In these situations, the law provides protection from prosecution for possession of a controlled substance.