Bill to Reduce Drug Overdoses Passes Ohio House
The Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 170, legislation that aims to reduce drug-related deaths by reversing the effects of certain drugs on the brain.
House Bill 170, sponsored by Rep. Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), expands access to naloxone hydrochloride, a medication that is effective at reversing overdoses caused by opioid pain medications and heroin. Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has no potential for abuse or overdose.
The bill also protects from criminal liability health care professionals who prescribe the medication to anyone who is experiencing, or about to experience, an opioid-related overdose. This includes giving the medication to friends or family members who are in a position to help someone nearing an overdose.
Drug overdoses in Ohio have increased 440 percent in the past 10 years, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Additionally, 1,765 Ohio residents died of unintentional drug overdoses in 2011, which is the equivalent of five Ohioans dying every day.
HB 170 will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.