Heroin antidote plan approved by medical board

Police and other first responders in South Dakota are one step closer to having an emergency overdose treatment at their disposal, though it could be several months before that happens.

The South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners approved a set of rules for first responders that will allow them to carry and administer Naloxone, which can counteract the effect of an overdose of heroin or any other opioid.

Law enforcement officials are concerned about a growing heroin epidemic that has swept through parts of the country, one they expect will reach South Dakota.

There were 32 opioid overdose deaths in South Dakota in 2013, according to Attorney General Marty Jackley.

Heroin has supplanted prescription painkillers for addicts in states that have tightened enforcement or created prescription drug monitoring programs. South Dakota now has a monitoring program, but has yet to see a surge in heroin.

Jackley successfully pushed a bill during this year’s legislative session that would allow first responders to carry the counteractive drug, which can be administered through a nasal spray or a needle.

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The Board voted unanimously to approve the rules, which would require first responders to complete a training course, taught by a licensed physician who could then issue a standing order allowing the first responder to use the drug.

The rules now go to the Legislature’s Rules Review committee for approval. Once that happens, the rules would be submitted to the Secretary of State and take effect 20 days later.

How quickly the training and procurement of Naloxone would take place then depends on the individual agency that wants to use it. Each agency will need to connect with a physician, get their employees trained and secure a supply.

“It will be community-driven at that point,” said Margaret Hansen, executive director of the medical board.

Board member Dr. Leslie Landeen said during Thursday’s meeting that proper training should help first responders feel comfortable using the drug. The only drawback to the drug is that it might not stay in a person’s system as long as the opioid. The first responder could use a second dose if needed.

“There is no adverse reaction to Naloxone,” Landeen said.

The rules review committee will meet on Dec. 14.