Governor DeWine Authorizes Ohio Board of Pharmacy to Adopt Emergency Rule Legalizing Tools to Prevent Drug Overdoses

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine yesterday signed Executive Order 2025-04D to suspend the normal rulemaking process to allow the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to adopt a rule allowing expanded access to tools to prevent drug overdoses. In addition to test strips and reagent kits for fentanyl, the rule, OAC 4729-8-02, exempts tests for the following compounds from the definition of drug paraphernalia under Ohio law:

  • Xylazine;
  • Medetomidine;
  • Benzimidazole-opioids (commonly referred to as nitazenes); and
  • Benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-related compounds.
    Read More: Ohio Governor

OHIO DEFLECTION ASSOCIATION

Post-Overdose Response
Community-Based
Self-Referral . Active Outreach
Intervention . Prevention
OUR MISSION
Ohio Deflection Association delivers support around public safety for the health and wellbeing of those struggling with substance use and mental health disorder(s), through the development of deflection and pre-arrest diversion strategies, support tools, and facilitating the education of community partners providing outreach services. Focusing on real life challenges with real time solutions by providing communities with education, guidance, and resources.