Gov. Christie announced that pharmacies without medical directors may apply to the Department of Health for a standing order to dispense the opioid antidote Narcan without a prescription. 

This change is the result of S-295, a measure sponsored by Sen. Joseph Vitale (D–Woodbridge) and Assemblyman Daniel Benson (D–Hamilton). The bill passed both houses unanimously this spring and was signed by the Governor in June. 

The new rules will permit all pharmacies, not just those with medical directors, to dispense Narcan through a standing order. The standing order allows pharmacists to dispense the antidote to someone at risk of an overdose or to an individual who obtains the antidote to administer it to someone in an emergency, regardless of whether they have a prescription for the antidote. The standing order requires the pharmacists to provide information about recognition and prevention as well as information about dosage, resuscitation and aftercare. Prior to the legislation, DOH did not have a mechanism to issue such a standing order. 

The Department is now accepting requests via email from licensed pharmacists in good standing.