True or False: Only pharmacists may dispense opioid antidotes pursuant to a written prescription or standing order by a prescriber.

The assertion that only pharmacists may dispense opioid antidotes pursuant to a written prescription or standing order by a prescriber is accurate. In South Carolina, as well as in many other jurisdictions, the dispensing of opioid antidotes, such as naloxone, typically falls within the scope of pharmacy practice. This means that licensed pharmacists are authorized to dispense these medications when a valid prescription or a standing order from a prescriber is in place.

This regulation aligns with efforts to combat the opioid crisis, allowing pharmacists to play a critical role in providing life-saving medications to individuals who may be at risk of an opioid overdose. Even in cases where community access to opioid antidotes is facilitated through certain initiatives, the responsibility of dispensing is specifically designated for pharmacists, ensuring that there are trained professionals involved in the provision of these vital treatments.

While other healthcare providers may be involved in the administration of opioid antidotes in specific settings, such as emergency situations, the question specifically pertains to dispensing practices, which is why the focus is on pharmacists as the authorized individuals in this context. Therefore, stating that only pharmacists may dispense these medications aligns with the regulatory framework governing the practice of pharmacy.