New rules let police administer overdose drug

News

Gov. Maggie Hassan announced last week plans for new rules that would allow police officers to carry and administer Narcan, an emergency treatment for heroin and opioid overdoses.

Currently, emergency medical technicians and many of the state’s firefighters can administer the drug. The new rules would create a separate licensing category so that police officers can be trained in administering the drug.

“The rising rate of heroin and opioid overdoses is one of the most pressing public health and safety challenges facing our state,” Hassan said in a statement. “Creating a new license level for law enforcement is a common-sense step forward that will help us save lives, enhancing our ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of our communities.” — Larry Clow