Missouri Updates Naloxone Standing Order
State Sees Continued Decline in Overdose Deaths
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services updated the state’s Naloxone Standing Order as part of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to reduce opioid overdose deaths.
Recent updates to the 2026 standing order improve accessibility to naloxone by simplifying eligibility criteria, including individuals under age 18, and allow pharmacists to dispense larger quantities, when appropriate. Enhanced clinical guidance also emphasizes rescue breathing and post-administration monitoring, particularly in response to more potent synthetic opioids.
The standing order continues to see strong utilization statewide. In 2025, Missouri Medicaid processed more than 11,400 naloxone claims through the standing order, reflecting steadily increasing public access to the lifesaving medication. Since 2023, nearly 600 claims have involved children under 18, underscoring the importance of the updated pediatric accessibility language.
State officials noted that Missouri’s overdose prevention efforts are showing measurable impact. Opioid overdose deaths declined by 23% in 2025, while accidental drug poisoning deaths decreased by 17.4%, marking the third consecutive year of statewide improvement.
Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and community health partners are encouraged to continue promoting naloxone education, prescribing and community access. Missourians can obtain naloxone at participating pharmacies statewide or locate free mail-order and pickup options through GetMissouriNaloxone.com.
The Missouri Hospital Association continues to develop resources for member hospitals regarding naloxone distribution and prevention awareness.
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.