Pence signs bill expanding use of overdose drug

Gov. Mike Pence has signed into law a bill that immediately allows Indiana residents to obtain and use a drug that can reverse heroin overdoses in their relatives, friends and loved ones.

Previously, only health professionals could administer the drug known as Nalaxone or Narcan for people who overdosed on heroin and other opiates such as morphine and oxycodone.

The legislation that unanimously passed both legislative chambers took effect Friday when Pence signed the bill. He says the measure authored by Republican Sen. Jim Merritt of Indianapolis "will help prevent the heartbreaking loss of life we hear about too often in the case of drug overdoses."

Pence's office says data suggests that people whose lives are spared by overdose intervention drugs often seek treatment for their addiction.