Deal Signs Bill Exempting Naloxone From Dangerous Drug List

ATLANTA, GA -- Flanked by members of the Georgia General Assembly, Gov. Nathan Deal on Thursday signed legislation to address issues surrounding opioid abuse.

The governor signed Senate Bill 121, the Jeffrey Dallas Gay, Jr. Act, S.B. 88, the Narcotic Treatment Programs Enforcement Act, and House Bill. 249.

S.B. 121 exempts Naloxone, the emergency drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, from the dangerous drug list when it is used for drug overdose prevention and supplied by a dispenser for various types of rescue kits.

The bill also codifies the executive orders put in place last year. S.B. 88 requires the Department of Community Health to create minimum standards and quality of services for narcotic treatment programs seeking licensure in Georgia.

Provisions of H.B. 249 include moving the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program from the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency to the Department of Public Health.

“The three bills I signed into law today will enable us to more effectively fight the ongoing opioid epidemic that impacts individuals, families and communities across Georgia,” said Deal. “I would like to thank Attorney General Chris Carr and the legislators behind these bills for their hard work, compassion and service in the fight against this illness. I am confident that this legislation will help save lives and give hope to the victims ensnared by this epidemic as well as their loved ones.”

You can view the language for S.B. 121, H.B. 249 and S.B. 88 online.

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