Ohio House passes Daniel’s Law; measure headed to Senate

The Ohio House approved legislation that expands access to naltrexone, a drug that helps prevent addicted individuals from relapsing, according to a news release from the office of state Rep. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville.

House Bill 167, also known as Daniel’s Law, allows pharmacists to dispense or administer naltrexone, or Vivitrol, in the event of an emergency.

Since this drug specifically blocks opioid receptors and reduces opioid cravings, addicted individuals who miss a dose could relapse, the release said.

In the event that someone needs their next scheduled dose immediately, this bill would empower pharmacies to fill it quickly or administer it themselves, as long as that person already has been receiving it and cannot get the next dose from the doctor.

Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration noted that there is no abuse or diversion potential with naltrexone, making it a vital tool in the fight against Ohio’s drug epidemic, according to the release.

Designated as Daniel’s Law, the bill is named for Daniel Weidle of Germantown, who died of an overdose in 2015 after battling addiction for years.

Daniel’s Law, sponsored by state Rep. Jay Edwards, R-Nelsonville, now will go to the Senate for further consideration.

Edwards