Saving Lives Initiatives

Saving Lives Initiative

HB 1550 - the new law allowing pharmacists to administer epinephrine, took effect on January 1st. The new law received tremendous media attention not only around the state but nationwide. Dr. Elly Baker, a pharmacist in East Texas, was the first reported instance of pharmacist using the new law to save a life. Since that time more and more pharmacists are becoming aware of the new law and using it to save lives.

HB 1462 - allowed authorized medical personnel to prescribe the opioid antagonist Naloxone either directly to a third-party patient (not necessarily the end-user) or through a standing order and pharmacists to dispense to a third-party.
- Utilizing the newly enacted law, TPA created a physician-signed standing order—in essence, a statewide prescription
- Pharmacists may dispense an opioid antagonist to any patient they believe has a need for the medication. This first of its kind statewide standing order in Texas represents a significant shift in the role pharmacists can play in providing much needed care to their patients.