The California Senate has unanimously approved a bill that would provide legal cover to doctors who prescribe the drug naloxone (Narcan) to drug-overdose victims.

The Drug Policy Alliance reported June 6 that the state Senate approved the bill, SB-767, by a 39-0 vote. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles).

"Clinicians are concerned about civil or criminal liability if a patient uses his or her naloxone on someone else," noted the Harm Reduction Coalition, which backed the measure. "Because of this concern there aren't enough clinicians willing to prescribe naloxone for all the agencies that want to incorporate overdose programs into their services, but there will be once SB 767 passes."

The group added that the legislation also would make it easier for people who witness an opiate overdose to access naloxone and administer it to victims.