HB1677

House Bill 1677 authorizes alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs in Arkansas, including detoxification facilities and substance abuse treatment centers, to maintain emergency medication kits. These kits are defined as collections of medications required for immediate therapeutic needs that cannot be obtained from other sources in time to prevent harm. To utilize these kits, a facility must have medical personnel on staff capable of administering the drugs. The bill requires facilities to partner with a licensed, DEA-registered pharmacy to supply and oversee the kits, which must be kept in secure, locked locations accessible only to licensed medical personnel. Medications from these kits may only be administered under the order of a physician or advanced practice registered nurse. The bill mandates that any drugs administered must be replaced within 72 hours via a prescription, and it explicitly prohibits the inclusion of Schedule II controlled substances in the kits. The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy is authorized to adopt rules concerning kit contents, quantities, security, and usage.