JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation to expand access to an anti-overdose medicine for opiates.

Nixon signed the bill Tuesday, and pharmacists will be able to sell the drug naloxone after the law takes effect Aug. 28. The drug blocks potentially deadly effects of heroin or opioid prescription pill overdoses.

The measure allows people to carry naloxone without a prescription and legally protects those who use it in good faith to help someone overdosing.

Nixon called the legislation an important step forward but says he’s disappointed lawmakers failed to pass a bill to create a statewide prescription drug monitoring program. Such a program would require pharmacies to report to the state health department details about medications dispensed.

Legislative opponents cited privacy concerns and questioned the effectiveness of monitoring programs.