Does emergency oxygen require a doctor’s prescription?
NO. Oxygen is a drug when it is given in concentrations beyond what is ambient air and when used for medical treatment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the regulating government agency for oxygen, requires a prescription for medical oxygen, but has EXEMPTED this requirement for emergency applications since 1972. Since September of 1996 the FDA requires all medical oxygen sold in the U.S. to bear the following statement on the label: “For emergency use only when administered by properly trained personnel for oxygen deficiency and resuscitation. For all other medical applications, CAUTION: Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription.” In order to be considered as an over-the-counter (OTC) device, i.e. “non-prescription”, the oxygen device must provide a minimum flow rate of 6 liters per minute for a minimum of time of fifteen minutes. 14. Who can provide emergency oxygen? Anyone properly instructed in its use (as stated in the above FDA labeling requirement). FDA, FAA
