Columbus, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio's new backup plan for executing inmates by injection allows at least three attempts to administer drugs through muscles in the arms or legs.

The backup would be used if administering a single powerful anesthetic through a vein doesn't work.

The plan filed in federal court Monday requires executioners to check the inmate five minutes after the backup drugs are administered and inject a second dose if the inmate is still breathing.

The plan requires executioners to check again after five minutes and administer a much larger dose of just one drug if the inmate continues to breathe.

The plan says executioners can continue to administer the larger dose as needed.

The state adopted the new procedures in time for the execution of Kenneth Biros scheduled on Dec. 8.

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