LANSING, MI (AP)-- Governor Rick Snyder has signed legislation requiring emergency medical responders to be trained to administer medications to stop drug overdoses aboard ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
The governor's office says the legislation signed Monday at the Women Strengthening Michigan forum in Macomb County's Clinton Township aims to expand the availability of so-called opioid antagonists to help save the lives of those who have overdosed.
Before the event, Snyder signed the rest of the bill package.
Under the legislation, prescribers may dispense the medication under certain circumstances to friends or family of individuals who may be at risk of experiencing a heroin-related overdose. Also, Snyder's office says first responders and civilians are exempt from criminal prosecution or professional sanctions for administering the medications in good faith to those with immediate need.