Nevada bill would mandate overdose meds at schools, nix Rx

Drugs that can counter the effects of an opioid overdose would be available without a prescription and required at all Nevada public schools under a bill introduced Monday.

Members of the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee are responding to an opioid epidemic that federal estimates say has killed at least 165,000 Americans since 2000, including minors who turned to the drugs for recreation or pain relief.

Opioids are highly addictive, deadly and among the most widely prescribed drugs: OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet. Heroin is also an opioid.

Assembly Bill 428 would mandate public and charter schools keep at least two doses of naloxone hydrochloride or other emergency opioid medications on site.

Read more: http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/government/nevada-bill-would-mandate-overdose-meds-at-schools-nix-rx/