What is Casey's Law in Kentucky?

Casey's Law is the Matthew Casey Wethington Act for Substance Abuse Intervention, found at KRS 222.430 through 222.437. It allows a spouse, relative, friend, or guardian to file a petition in District Court asking for court-ordered treatment when a person with a substance use disorder poses an imminent threat of danger and can reasonably benefit from treatment.

Can I get naloxone without a prescription in Kentucky?

A certified pharmacist can dispense naloxone under a physician-approved protocol, and the state health department maintains a statewide protocol for pharmacists without their own medical provider. KRS 217.186 also lets licensed providers prescribe or dispense opioid antagonists directly or by standing order.

Does Kentucky Medicaid cover addiction treatment?

Kentucky expanded Medicaid and covers a range of substance use disorder services, including outpatient care, medication for opioid use disorder, and residential treatment through its Section 1115 waiver. Coverage rules and provider networks change, so confirm benefits with the managed care organization.

Is sudden alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal dangerous?

Yes. Stopping heavy drinking or long-term benzodiazepine use abruptly can cause withdrawal that is dangerous or life-threatening. Seek medical supervision. If someone is unresponsive or having trouble breathing, call 911.

Addiction Treatment Laws in Kentucky

Q: Does Kentucky have a Good Samaritan law for overdoses?

Yes. Kentucky Revised Statutes 218A.133 says a person may not be charged with or prosecuted for possessing a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia if, in good faith, they sought medical assistance for a drug overdose and remained with the person until help arrived. It does not extend to other crimes such as trafficking.

Kentucky's treatment laws give families more tools than many states. If you call for help during an overdose, KRS 218A.133 exempts you from certain drug-possession charges. If you need naloxone, a certified pharmacist can dispense it under a physician-approved protocol. And if a loved one is in danger and refuses care, Casey's Law lets family members ask a court to order treatment.

Kentucky's age-adjusted drug overdose death rate was 33.5 per 100,000 people in 2024, with 1,492 deaths, according to the CDC. Those figures describe a population, not a person. Substance use disorder is treatable, and Kentucky's 14 community mental health centers serve every region of the state.

911 immunity for drug overdoses

Kentucky Revised Statutes 218A.133 says a person may not be charged with or prosecuted for possessing a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia if, in good faith, they sought medical assistance for a drug overdose. The person must remain with, or be, the individual who appears to be overdosing until help is provided. Immunity applies when the evidence came from the overdose and the need for medical help. It does not extend to the investigation of other crimes, such as trafficking (KRS 218A.133(3)).

If someone is unresponsive or breathing slowly, call 911. The law exists so that concern about charges does not delay care.

Naloxone access

KRS 217.186 allows licensed health care providers, directly or by standing order, to prescribe or dispense an opioid antagonist such as naloxone to a person at risk of an overdose or to someone in a position to help them. The Board of Pharmacy certifies pharmacists to dispense naloxone under a physician-approved protocol, with rules set by 201 KAR 2:360. The Kentucky Department for Public Health keeps a statewide physician protocol for pharmacists who do not have their own medical provider.

Casey's Law: when a family can ask for court-ordered treatment

Kentucky's involuntary treatment law is the Matthew Casey Wethington Act for Substance Abuse Intervention, KRS 222.430 through 222.437. A spouse, relative, friend, or guardian may file a verified petition in District Court (KRS 222.432). For a court to order treatment, it must find that the person has a substance use disorder, presents an imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others, and can reasonably benefit from treatment (KRS 222.431).

A court can order emergency hospitalization for up to 72 hours when the criteria are met (KRS 222.434). Longer orders can run 60 or 360 days after a hearing. People subject to the process have rights similar to those of involuntarily hospitalized mental health patients, including appointed counsel and an independent evaluation. The person filing the petition is responsible for treatment costs, so families often plan funding before filing.

Medicaid and treatment coverage

Kentucky expanded Medicaid, and the program covers a range of substance use disorder services through its benefit package and Section 1115 waiver, including outpatient and intensive outpatient care, medication for opioid use disorder, and residential treatment. Coverage rules and provider networks change, so confirm your benefits with the managed care organization before you enroll.

Prescription monitoring

KASPER (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting), run by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, is the state's prescription drug monitoring program. It collects data on controlled-substance prescriptions so that prescribers and pharmacists can review a patient's history.

Finding help in Kentucky

Call or text the KY HELP Call Center at 1-833-8KY-HELP (1-833-859-4357), or search FindHelpNowKY.org for treatment near you.
Kentucky's 14 community mental health centers provide crisis, outpatient, and referral services across the state.
The state behavioral health authority is the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID).

If you would like to talk through options, call or text (800) 653-9376 or use the form below.

Safety comes first

Do not stop heavy drinking or benzodiazepine use suddenly. Withdrawal can be dangerous and may require medical supervision. If someone is unresponsive, has trouble breathing, or appears to be overdosing, call 911 right away. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.