Assembly approves bill that would clarify pharmacies can hand out Narcan under doctor's standing order

MADISON — The Wisconsin Assembly has approved a bill that would clarify that pharmacies can hand out a heroin overdose antidote under a doctor's standing order.

Under current law, doctors can give health centers, pharmacies and clinics general permission to dispense Narcan without specific prescriptions.

But Attorney General Brad Schimel has raised concerns that the Narcan bill didn't technically trump state laws requiring prescriptions to include a recipient's name.

The bill passed Tuesday, November 3rd clarifies that pharmacies can legally dispense Narcan without prescriptions if they have a standing general order from a physician.

The Assembly passed it on a voice vote. It now heads to the Senate.

Bill sponsor Rep. John Nygren, of Marinette, says this will make it easier for loved ones to have Narcan on hand in case of an overdose.