Below are some frequently asked questions to offer guidance on the administration of Naloxone and support registrants who may need to provide life-saving care by administering Naloxone to their clients or the public.
Can I administer Naloxone?
As a social worker or social service worker, you are permitted to administer Naloxone. During a life-threatening emergency due to an opioid overdose, any individual can administer Naloxone.
College registrants with the appropriate training can administer Naloxone without a formal delegation process. You should ensure that you are up to date with the information and guidance around the administration of Naloxone and consult the Practice Guidelines for Medication Practices which includes an appendix on the administration of Naloxone.
The following College practice resources may also assist you in practising ethically and professionally:
Can I distribute Naloxone kits?
As a social worker or social service worker, you are permitted to distribute Naloxone kits, also known as Narcan kits.
The College requires you to be aware of your level of competence and your professional scope of practice, as described in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice before carrying out any task related to the distribution of medications.
You should also ensure that you have reviewed the information and guidance around the administration of Naloxone included in the Practice Guidelines for Medication Practices which includes an appendix on the administration of Naloxone.
Do social workers and social service workers need a formal delegation to administer Naloxone?
No, social workers and social service workers can administer Naloxone without a formal delegation process, even if the administration is an expected part of their job duties.
Before the revisions to the Appendix on the administration Naloxone came into effect in December 2023, registrants were required to obtain a formal delegation if the administration of Naloxone was part of their regular job duties.
For all inquiries related to the administration of Naloxone, contact the College’s Professional Practice Department at practice@ocswssw.org.