The MAG Foundation is reminding physicians that Georgia’s 9-1-1 Medical Amnesty law allows them to prescribe standing orders of naloxone. Naloxone is an effective, non-addictive prescription medication that reverses the effects of opioid drug overdoses. Under the 9-1-1 Medical Amnesty Law, a unit dose of naloxone can be delivered on an intranasal or intramuscular basis.
Physicians in Georgia can prescribe naloxone via a standing order to a person who is at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose. At their discretion, physicians can also prescribe naloxone to pain management clinics, first responders (e.g., law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel), harm reduction organizations, or family members or friends or other people who are in a position to assist a patient who is at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose.
The 9-1-1 Medical Amnesty law provides limited immunity for individuals who possess certain drugs and drug paraphernalia when they experience a drug overdose and are in need of medical care, for people who seek medical care for a person who is experiencing a drug overdose, and for certain underage drinking offenses for minors who seek medical care during an alcohol overdose.
In a related development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Narcan – the first FDA-approved nasal spray version of naloxone.