Ohio Pharmacists Can Now Dispense Naloxone Without a Prescription

Ohio pharmacists are among the latest in the country to be allowed to dispense naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdose, without a prescription. Last week, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed into law modifications to Section 4729.44 of the Ohio Revised Code and Rule 4729-5-39 of the Ohio Administrative Code allowing pharmacists to dispense the drug under a physician-approved protocol. The legislation is effective immediately, and the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy has compiled information and other resources on its website to help pharmacists comply with the new rules.