LegalFix

Section 20-2-280 - Opioid antagonist prescriptions; administration; liability.

AL Code § 20-2-280 (2019) (N/A)
Copy with citation
Copy as parenthetical citation

(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).

LegalFix

Copyright ©2024 LegalFix. All rights reserved. LegalFix is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and does not provide legal advice, services, or representation. The information on this website is an overview of the legal plans you can purchase—or that may be provided by your employer as an employee benefit or by your credit union or other membership group as a membership benefit.

LegalFix provides its members with easy access to affordable legal services through a network of independent law firms. LegalFix, its corporate entity, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors do not provide legal advice, services, or representation—directly or indirectly.

The articles and information on the site are not legal advice and should not be relied upon—they are for information purposes only. You should become a LegalFix member to get legal services from one of our network law firms.

You should not disclose confidential or potentially incriminating information to LegalFix—you should only communicate such information to your network law firm.

The benefits and legal services described in the LegalFix legal plans are not always available in all states or with all plans. See the legal plan Benefit Overview and the more comprehensive legal plan contract during checkout for coverage details in your state.

Use of this website, the purchase of legal plans, and access to the LegalFix networks of law firms are subject to the LegalFix Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

We have updated our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosures. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosures.
Section 20-2-280 - Opioid antagonist prescriptions; administration; liability.