Legal Aspects of Providing Naloxone to Heroin Users in the United States

Administration of naloxone hydrochloride is the standard treatment for heroin overdose. Naloxone is simple to administer, effective and has a very low risk of harm. Prescribing naloxone to heroin users for later use in case of need is a simple, inexpensive harm-reduction measure that has the potential to reduce mortality from heroin overdose. Some U.S. physicians may be discouraged from distributing naloxone, however, by legal concerns. A legal analysis finds that the legal risks are low. Prescribing naloxone is fully consistent with state and federal laws regulating drug prescribing. The risks of malpractice liability are consistent with those generally associated with providing health care, and can be further minimized by following simple guidelines presented.