The state of Kansas allows pharmacists to dispense EOAs at their discretion to patients, family members and bystanders, law enforcement and EMS agencies, and school nurses, pursuant to a statewide protocol.

The statewide protocol to dispense EOAs is pharmacist-specific, not pharmacy-specific.

Become a Dispenser of EOAs

To become an emergency opioid antagonist (EOA) dispenser in the state of Kansas:

1. Read KAR 68-7-23, the regulation that established the protocol.
2. Download, review and sign the official pre-signed statewide protocol.
3. Submit the protocol to the Board of Pharmacy within 5 days of signing.

No authorizing physician is required.

Sign the Protocol

Find Emergency Opioid Antagonists Near You

This map includes all pharmacies in the state of Kansas with a staff pharmacist who has signed the statewide EOA protocol. If you believe your pharmacy should be listed on the map, submit your pharmacist's signed protocol to be included.

Talk to Patients About Emergency Opioid Antagonists

It's important to talk to both patients and caregivers about the benefits of emergency opioid antagonists (EOAs). If cost is an issue, explore options such as savings cards to help patients offset the cost of EOAs. Start with these tips:

• Most opioid overdoses are accidental. EOAs reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can save a life, just like a seatbelt or fire extinguisher.
• Ask caregivers if they feel comfortable administering EOAs to a friend or loved one in the event of an opioid overdose.
• Offer EOA training for those caregivers to increase their confidence and comfort level.
• Emphasize that the use of EOAs does not replace emergency services. If using EOAs during an opioid overdose, always call 911 first.
• Review the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, including the potential for life-threatening reactions that make breathing slow down or stop.
• Tell patients and caregivers about what to expect after giving someone an EOA.

Source: Adapted from Rhode Island Department of Health

EOA Dispensing Guideline

The Kansas Pharmacy Foundation offers Naloxone Dispensing continuing education hours. Always check the current list of approved Pharmacist CE courses if you are seeking continuing education hours.

Pharmacist Discretion
Pharmacists have the ultimate discretion to participate in this program, and the discretion to choose whether to dispense to each patient or bystander.

Dispensing a Valid Prescription
Pharmacists do not need to sign the EOA protocol to dispense valid EOA prescriptions. You may continue to do that in accordance with normal pharmacy practice standards.

Limits to Dispensing
There is no legal limit to how much EOA can be dispensed to one person. A pharmacist may exercise their discretion in limiting dispensing.

Pharmacist Documentation
A signed copy of the protocol should be retained on paper or electronically in each location that a pharmacist dispenses EOAs and must be readily retrievable upon Board of Pharmacy inspection.

Naloxone Training
There is no additional education or training required for pharmacists to dispense EOAs.

Patient Counseling
Provide in-person counseling, training and written educational materials appropriate to the dosage dispensed, according to KAR 68-7-23 and outlined in the protocol.

Protocol Expiration
The EOA protocol does not expire. If the Board of Pharmacy modifies it, all pharmacists will be notified. If a pharmacist wants to discontinue dispensing EOAs without a prescription, the pharmacist should notify the Board of Pharmacy.

Liability for Dispensing
Any pharmacist who, in good faith and with reasonable care, prescribes or dispenses an emergency opioid antagonist without a prescription shall not, by an act or omission, be subject to civil liability, criminal prosecution or any disciplinary or other adverse action by the Board of Pharmacy arising from the pharmacist dispensing the emergency opioid antagonist. Additionally, any bystander (including a pharmacist) who, in good faith and with reasonable care, administers an emergency opioid antagonist to a person experiencing a suspected opioid overdose shall not, by an act or omission, be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution, unless personal injury results from the gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct in the administration of the emergency opioid antagonist.