COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has authorized the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to adopt an emergency rule expanding access to drug testing tools aimed at preventing overdoses.
Through Executive Order 2025-04D, signed Thursday, the governor suspended the normal rulemaking process, allowing the Board of Pharmacy to immediately implement OAC 4729-8-02, which exempts certain drug testing tools from being classified as drug paraphernalia under Ohio law.
In addition to fentanyl test strips and reagent kits already in use, the rule now includes testing kits for:
- Xylazine
- Medetomidine
- Benzimidazole-opioids (nitazenes)
- Benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-related compounds
Governor DeWine said expanding access to these tools is a critical step in Ohio’s strategy to lower overdose deaths.
“Items such as test strips have been shown to reduce the risk of overdose, and these items are important in Ohio’s overall strategy to lower overdose deaths,” DeWine said. “We are removing barriers for communities to access tools that prevent overdose and save lives.”
The move follows legislation passed earlier this year by the Ohio General Assembly, which gave the Board of Pharmacy authority to exempt certain testing instruments if they demonstrate effectiveness in reducing drug poisonings.
The order was advanced in partnership with RecoveryOhio and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, both of which are leading statewide harm reduction efforts.
“Test strips and reagent kits are important components to reducing harm caused by illicit drugs,” said Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Steven W. Schierholt. “By decriminalizing these public health tools, we can help people who use drugs stay alive with the ultimate goal of recovery.”
The Board of Pharmacy has published a guidance document and quick reference guide for communities and organizations, available at www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/instruments and www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/TestYourDrugs.
