Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone

Community organizations or entities (not individuals) in California can use the CDPH standing order to provide naloxone to people at risk of opioid overdose or those able to respond during an overdose. Eligible groups include, but are not limited to schools, first responders, and community organizations.

The standing order applies only to the address listed on the order. If an entity, such as a school district, has multiple campuses/locations, each one must complete a standing order application to be compliant.

A standing order is no longer needed to acquire NARCAN® naloxone nasal spray, or other approved over-the-counter naloxone nasal sprays, however it can provide additional liability protections, see: CA Civil Code Section 1714.22.  All other formulations and dosages of naloxone, including intramuscular naloxone, remain available by prescription only and require a standing order to acquire and distribute.

How to Apply for a Standing Order

1. Review the Terms and Conditions to confirm eligibility

2. Review the Application Information Page

3. Complete and submit the Application Form
   

Once submitted, the CDPH standing order is generated immediately online. Save a digital or printed copy for your records - CDPH does not keep copies for applicants. If you need another copy later, you must reapply.

The standing order expires two years from the signature date of the state Public Health Officer. Prior to expiration, CDPH will renew the standing order and email all current applicants with a courtesy notification to reapply. It is the responsibility of the organization and entity to reapply.

How to Get Free Naloxone

Getting naloxone is a separate process from the standing order. After applying to the standing order, apply to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Naloxone Distribution P roject (NDP) to receive free naloxone in bulk . Applicants must provide a copy of their standing order or a physician's prescription. Review the FAQs (PDF) to learn more.

Training Requirements

Anyone distributing naloxone under the CDPH standing order must:

• Complete opioid overdose prevention and treatment training.

• Provide training to individuals to whom they distribute naloxone.

Training Resources:

• Administering Naloxone Training Video
  

• Administración de Naloxona (Español)

• getnaloxonenow.org

• Harm Reduction Coalition's Overdose Prevention Resources​

​Reporting Requirements

When reapplying for the CDPH standing order, organizations must report:

• The number of naloxone doses distributed.

• The number of overdose reversals (if known) that occurred using naloxone distributed under the order. 

Resources

• Questions about the standing order: NaloxoneStandingOrder@cdph.ca.gov

• Questions about Emergent BioSolutions product or shipment: customerservice@adaptpharma.com

• Questions about the NDP application process: naloxone@dhcs.ca.gov

• Safe Schools for All Hub support for safe, in-person learning in K-12 schools

• Naloxone Information Web Page

• Información sobre la naloxona (Español) ​