The Department of Public Health said Thursday it has updated a standing order that allows school officials to administer naloxone and other opioid antagonists. [Health News Illinois]

The order allows schools to obtain a supply of medications that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose without a prescription. Additionally, a school nurse or other person trained in their use may administer them on school property. 

The revision also adds nalmefene as an approved opioid antagonist.

“This updated standing order will ensure Illinois schools have the authority to use this treatment to prevent tragedies,” said agency Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “While we continue to work vigilantly to steer young people away from misuse of opioids and other substances, a public health approach requires us to do everything in our power to reduce harm — preventing the most tragic and permanent consequences of these substances.”

A state law that went into effect this year requires public and private schools to keep a supply of opioid antagonists on hand.

Last school year saw 10 reported instances where school personnel administered an opioid antagonist to a student with signs of an overdose, according to data from the Illinois State Board of Education.

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