Background
In April 2015, Colorado passed a new law, Senate Bill 15-053, expanding access to the life-saving drug naloxone, which is used to reverse overdoses to narcotic drugs, such as certain prescription medications and heroin. As a result of the new law, a physician - or any medical professional with prescriptive authority - can write a standing order for naloxone that can be dispensed by other designed individuals (such as pharmacists and harm reduction organizations).
With these standing orders, pharmacists and harm reduction organizations can now provide naloxone to those who might benefit from it the most, including:
- A family member, friend or another person in a position to assist a person at risk of overdose
- An employee or volunteer of a harm reduction organization
- A first responder
- An individual at risk of overdose
Standing Order Information & Resources
Pharmacies can contact the Colorado Department of Public Health &, Environment (CDPHE) at cdphe_naloxone@state.co.us to request a Standing Order for naloxone prescriptions. Below you will find resources that will be used by CDPHE in response to these requests. These standing orders are intended for pharmacies that do not have their own medical providers. Those who do have affiliated medical providers should use their prescriptive authority and signature to create their own standing orders.