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New Mexico Struggles To Fine-Tune Naloxone Regulations

At the same time as New Mexico is exploring naloxone as a way to decrease overdose deaths, the state's Board of Pharmacy is working to increase regulation of the drug.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the state's overdose deaths increased by 20 percent last year. Meanwhile, public health workers say naloxone -- which can counter the effects of opioids -- is becoming harder for people who are at risk of an overdose to access.

The Department of Health says it is revising its guidelines on prescribing naloxone to address a procedural gray area that has complicated operations at shelters and recovery centers. Currently, rules require a direct consultation between the patient and a nurse or physician.

The health department did not respond to specific requests for comment.

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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican. 

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