New Mexico becomes first state to mandate law enforcement carry of opioid overdose antidote

Kelly Gooch -

Bipartisan legislation makes New Mexico first in nation to require law enforcement to carry the opioid overdose antidote naloxone, reports VICE News.

Here are four things to know.

1. The legislation was signed into law by Republican New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.

2. Under the law, local and state law enforcement officers must carry naloxone, a lifesaving opioid overdose antidote, along with educational information about responding to opioid overdoses, according to the report.

3. The naloxone kits will be funded, at least in part, through New Mexico police force funds used for officer training, equipment and supplies, reports VICE News. The new law does not provide the police force with new funds for the kits, the report states.

4. The new law also calls for federally-certified addiction treatment centers, prisons and jails to offer patients a two-dose naloxone prescription and one refill prescription, according to the report. However, this provision is dependent on funding and supplies.

 

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.