2017 Ohio Revised Code
Title [47] XLVII OCCUPATIONS - PROFESSIONS
Chapter 4731 - PHYSICIANS; LIMITED PRACTITIONERS
Section 4731.943 - Authority for service entity employee, volunteer, or contractor to administer naloxone.

(A) As used in this section, "service entity" has the same meaning as in section 4729.514 of the Revised Code.

(B) A physician who has established a protocol under division (D) of this section may authorize an individual who is an employee, volunteer, or contractor of a service entity to administer naloxone to an individual who is apparently experiencing an opioid-related overdose.

(C) An individual authorized by a physician under this section may administer naloxone to an individual who is apparently experiencing an opioid-related overdose if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The naloxone is obtained from a service entity of which the authorized individual is an employee, volunteer, or contractor.

(2) The authorized individual complies with the protocol established by the authorizing physician.

(3) The authorized individual summons emergency services as soon as practicable either before or after administering the naloxone.

(D) A protocol established by a physician for purposes of this section must be in writing and include all of the following:

(1) A description of the clinical pharmacology of naloxone;

(2) Precautions and contraindications concerning the administration of naloxone;

(3) Any limitations the physician specifies concerning the individuals to whom naloxone may be administered;

(4) The naloxone dosage that may be administered and any variation in the dosage based on circumstances specified in the protocol;

(5) Labeling, storage, record-keeping, and administrative requirements;

(6) Training requirements that must be met before an individual can be authorized to administer naloxone.

(E) A physician who in good faith authorizes an individual to administer naloxone under this section is not liable for or subject to any of the following for any act or omission of the authorized individual: damages in any civil action, prosecution in any criminal proceeding, or professional disciplinary action.

A service entity or an employee, volunteer, or contractor of a service entity is not liable for or subject to any of the following for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or administering naloxone under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct: damages in any civil action, prosecution in any criminal proceeding, or professional disciplinary action.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a service entity or an employee, volunteer, or contractor of a service entity may be entitled to under Chapter 2305. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Added by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 319, §1, eff. 4/6/2017.