South Dakota Board Approves Opiate Overdose Antidote Rules

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota's medical licensing board has endorsed allowing emergency officials to carry an antidote to help people who have overdosed on opiates such as heroin.

The Argus Leader newspaper reports that the state Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners on Thursday approved a set of rules for police officers and other emergency personnel to carry Naloxone, which can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.

The rules now go to the Legislature's Rules Review Committee for approval and submission to the Secretary of State's Office. They would take effect 20 days after that.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says there were 32 opioid overdose deaths in South Dakota in 2013. He sponsored legislation earlier this year to enable first responders to carry Naloxone.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.