Governor Corbett signed legislation, Act 139 of 2014, allowing first responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS) to administer naloxone to individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. The law also provides immunity from prosecution for those responding to and reporting overdoses. Additionally, individuals, such as friends or family members in a position to assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid related overdose, may also receive a prescription for naloxone.

Consequently, health care professionals in Pennsylvania may receive requests to prescribe naloxone for first responders and friends or family members.

Act 139 went into effect on November 29, 2014. The Department of Health and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs are working together on training and instructional materials that will be made available online prior to the effective date of the act.