The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an updated standing order allowing schools to keep a supply of medications like naloxone on hand, and also permitting school nurses or other trained personnel to administer them to students in the event of an opioid overdose.
The updated order, signed by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, builds upon authority established in 2015 to expand access to naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The new order makes clear that schools can obtain a supply of such medications, known as opioid “antagonists,” without a prescription, and that a school nurse or other person who has been trained in their use may administer the medications to someone exhibiting signs of an overdose on school property.
Under Public Act 103-0348, which took effect January 1, 2024, public and private schools are now required to keep a supply of an opioid antagonist on hand to be used in the event of an overdose. Illinois is just one of nine states to have this requirement for schools.
Dr. Vohra says medications like naloxone save lives and this updated standing order will ensure Illinois schools have the authority to use this treatment to prevent tragedies. He says while public health officials continue to work vigilantly to steer young people away from misuse of opioids and other substances, a public health approach requires them to do everything in their power to reduce harm – preventing the most tragic and permanent consequences of these substances.
