Pharmacist Prescribe Dispense Opiate Antagonist

The act requires a pharmacist who dispenses an opioid to an individual to inform the individual of the potential dangers of a high dose of an opioid and offer to prescribe the individual an opiate antagonist if:

• The individual is, at the same time, prescribed a benzodiazepine, a sedative hypnotic drug, carisoprodol, tramadol, or gabapentin; or
• The opioid prescription being dispensed is at or in excess of 90 morphine milligram equivalent.

If an individual accepts the offer for an opiate antagonist, the pharmacist is required to counsel the individual on how to use the opiate antagonist and notify the individual of available generic and brand-name opiate antagonists.

The act does not apply to a pharmacist dispensing a prescription medication to a patient in hospice or palliative care or a resident in a veterans community living center.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)