Bill > HB572

This bill modifies Maryland's laws related to opioid overdose reversal drugs by making two key changes. First, when a licensed health care provider issues a standing order for an opioid overdose reversal drug (such as Narcan), the individual receiving the prescription must be allowed to choose from any FDA-approved formulation of the drug, giving patients more flexibility in their treatment. Second, the bill prohibits private and public entities that prescribe and dispense these drugs (including health care providers, local health departments, and substance abuse treatment organizations) from being legally required to stock or dispense every single type of FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal drug. These changes aim to expand access to life-saving overdose reversal medications while providing some operational flexibility for health care providers and organizations. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, and is part of Maryland's ongoing efforts to address the opioid epidemic by making overdose reversal drugs more readily available to individuals at risk of experiencing or witnessing an opioid overdose.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0572?ys=2025RS