Learn more about standing Naloxone Bulk fund Orders.
What is a standing order?
- Standing orders are written protocols that authorize designated persons to complete certain medical tasks without having to first obtain a physician order.
- For naloxone, a standing order is a prescription that doesn't have a specific patient name attached to it.
- Standing orders are used in public health in special scenarios as a means to get prescription medications out to those who need it without having to have them meet with a doctor or medical provider to get a prescription.
Is a standing order an ongoing order for naloxone?
- Although the name is confusing, a standing order is NOT an order for naloxone.
- A standing order is needed before you can access the Naloxone Bulk Fund.
- The standing order allows an agency to dispense naloxone to anyone who is at risk of an overdose or may witness an overdose.
Who has the authority to sign a standing order?
- A standing order is signed by a prescriber.
Who are prescribers?
- A physician or physician assistant
- An advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority
- A pharmacist
If you're an eligible agency that does not have a medical provider with prescriptive authority, please follow the steps to request a standing order. Refer back to the General Bulk Fund Information section of the FAQ.
Does my standing order expire?
- A standing order signed by the Chief Medical Officer of CDPHE terminates the last day of the month of the signatory’s last month of employment with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
- A Standing order signed by an entity's medical provider may have expiration dates that differ from CDPHE.
- If your standing order was signed by a prescriber internal to your agency, please consult with your signing authority to determine your standing order’s expiration date.
- If your standing order was signed by a prescriber internal to your agency, please consult with your signing authority to determine your standing order’s expiration date.
Why is a standing order required?
- Without a standing order, medications, including naloxone, require a prescription from a medical provider to access.
- When an entity has a standing order, they can get naloxone in the hands of those who may need it, without the barrier of having to access a medical provider.
What do I do after I get a standing order?
- After you receive the PDF file of your standing order you will upload your PDF through the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund Application web form. Refer to the step-by-step process on the Bulk Fund FAQ web page for additional guidance.