The Take Home Naloxone Policy Directive applies to NSW public health services and participating NSW Government agencies. It outlines the legal framework that underpins the program, who can supply naloxone and how to train clients to respond to a suspected overdose using naloxone.
A legal authority accompanying the Policy Directive enables eligible workers to legally supply naloxone according to the procedures described in the Take Home Naloxone Policy Directive.
Each Local Health District and Health Network has a nominated contact person who supports the program and helps with local implementation. To find out who your contact is, email moh-naloxone@health.nsw.gov.au
Strong opioids such as fentanyl and nitazenes have been detected in methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, counterfeit benzodiazepines and heroin in NSW. This means that people who do not expect to take an opioid may be exposed and should carry naloxone.
The NSW Health Public drug warnings and Clinical safety alerts include information on dangerous drugs circulating in NSW.
Eligible health workers at public health services must complete the Take Home Naloxone training and credentialing requirements set out in the Policy Directive before they are legally able to supply naloxone using the Take Home Naloxone intervention.
Online training can be accessed by all local health districts, the St Vincent's Hospital Network and the Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network.
When delivering Take Home Naloxone interventions, health workers in public health services need to use specific forms and documents. The Take Home Naloxone Policy Directive provides instruction about the use of these documents.
Contact moh-naloxone@health.nsw.gov.au for information about how to order the state form from Finsbury Green.
Consumer Information Sheets can be ordered for free via Your Room.
NSW Government agencies can obtain naloxone for free from NSW Health for their first aid trained workforce to administer in case they witness a suspected overdose at work.
Agencies will need to enter into an agreement with NSW Health to become a participating Take Home Naloxone service. This agreement will outline the obligations of participation, including all staff credentialling, reporting and governance requirements as outlined in the NSW Take Home Naloxone policy directive (PD2026_007). NSW Health will provide access to all necessary worker training, implementation resources, and naloxone stock.
Contact moh-naloxone@health.nsw.gov.au for more information.
The Australian Government's National Take Home Naloxone Program subsidised the cost of naloxone medicines supplied across Australia through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
In NSW, naloxone is available through participating community pharmacies, as well as participating public health, private and non-government services.
The Australian Government requires participating hospital pharmacies and services supplying subsidised take home naloxone, to register and submit data via the online PPA portal. This reporting supports funding for the program and helps monitor access to naloxone.
The PPA Portal collects two types of data:
When entering data and the participant consent check box is left unticked, the only data items that need to be entered into the PPA portal are:
Contact the PPA Support Centre for help using the PPA Portal:Phone: 1800 951 285 (9am to 8pm AEST Monday to Friday)Email: support@ppaonline.com.au
An Information Bulletin supports public health services to enter data into the PPA Portal. A related Information Bulletin supports pharmacy departments to enter data into the PPA Portal to seek PBS subsidisation for naloxone they provide to public health services in relation to the Take Home Naloxone Program.
Direct all enquiries including how your service can join the Take Home Naloxone program to moh-naloxone@health.nsw.gov.au