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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
pharmacists; prescribing; naloxone; reporting
Purpose
An emergency measure that authorizes pharmacists to dispense naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) without a signed prescription and removes related reporting and rulemaking requirements.
Background
Statute authorizes pharmacists to dispense naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist approved by the FDA on receipt of a signed prescription order, issued by a licensed medical practitioner, authorizing the drug to be dispensed for emergency purposes. The pharmacist may dispense the drug to any person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose or to a family member or community member in a position to help that person (A.R.S. § 32-1968). Pharmacists must dispense opioid antagonists in accordance with rules established by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (Board) (A.R.S. § 32-1979). A pharmacist who dispenses an opioid antagonist must report outlined prescription information as well as the name, strength, quantity, dosage and national drug code number of the drug (A.R.S. § 36-2608).
On March 29, 2023, the FDA approved Narcan, 4mg naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter, non-prescription use. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose and is the considered standard for treating opioid overdose (FDA). On July 28, 2023, the second opioid antagonist was approved for over-the-counter, nonprescription use, RiVive, 3 mg naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray (FDA).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a pharmacist to dispense naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist approved by the FDA without a signed prescription.
2. Removes the requirement that a pharmacist who dispenses naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist report outlined prescription information, including the name, strength, quantity, dosage and national drug code number of the drug.
3. Removes the requirement that the Board establish protocols for the dispensing of naloxone hydrochloride and another opioid antagonists.
4. Exempts naloxone hydrochloride and any other opioid antagonist that has been prescribed by a health care practitioner from laws regulating the mislabeling or misbranding of a drug.
5. Makes conforming changes.
6. Becomes effective on signature of the Governor, if the emergency clause is enacted.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 2, 2024
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