Texas to enable pharmacists to dispense naloxone

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Pharmacy Association last week announced the implementation of an expansive physician-authorized "standing order" regarding the dispensing of naloxone. Effective Aug. 1, the standing order will allow Texas pharmacists to dispense the fast-acting antidote for opioid overdose to patients.

"Texas has the second-highest cost of healthcare associated with opioid abuse in the country, and of the top 25 cities in the country with opiate abuse problems, four are in Texas," noted Mark Kinzly, co-founder of Texas Overdose Naloxone Initiative. "So having access to life-saving medications for the citizens of Texas is an important way to curb this epidemic."

To act under the standing order, pharmacists will need to complete a one-hour course accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education in coordination with TPA. That course will be provided at no cost through TPA.

The new dispensing authority is part of TPA's Saving Lives Initiative, which includes a recently-enacted law allowing pharamcists to administer epinephrine in an emergency situation.