Rep. Edwards Announces Passage of Bill Expanding Access to Vivitrol

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today approved legislation designed to help those fighting addiction receive necessary medication in an emergency.

House Bill 167, sponsored by Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville), is designed to help those in recovery continue with their treatment and avoid relapsing.

“The drug epidemic is devastating families and communities, and has cost thousands of Ohioans their lives,” Edwards said. “These are not statistics. These are Ohioans, our constituents. We must use every tool we have at our disposal to counter this epidemic and save lives.”

The bill would allow pharmacists to dispense or, in some cases, administer an emergency refill of naltrexone, under limited circumstances.

Naltrexone is used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. The prescription drug, sometimes known by the brand name Vivitrol, helps reduce opioid cravings.

House Bill 167 is being called “Daniel’s Law,” named after Daniel Weidle, who suffered a fatal drug overdose after being unable to access his prescription of Vivitrol.

Daniel had been receiving a monthly Vivitrol injection and had been opioid-free for eight months when a routine doctor’s appointment was cancelled. He and his father were unable to find another physician to administer Daniel’s Vivitrol injection, and Daniel lost his battle with addiction.

“Daniel and his father desperately searched for ways to have someone administer the Vivitrol shot but were denied at every turn,” Edwards said. “This is tragic, heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

Edwards said Scott Weidle’s strength in bringing the issue forward will help save the lives of other Ohioans.

House Bill 167, which was approved by a 83-0 vote, now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.