Alabama House Bill HB499

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/18/23
• Refer: 5/18/23

Caption

Relating to prescription drugs; to provide for the dispensing of Ivermectin by a pharmacist without an individual prescription pursuant to a standing order issued by a physician, physician's assistant, or certified registered nurse practitioner; to protect physicians, physician's assistants, certified registered nurse practitioners, and pharmacists from licensure disciplinary action due to dispensing Ivermectin.

Impact

The bill provides a framework for pharmacists to dispense Ivermectin safely while protecting healthcare providers from disciplinary action for doing so. It establishes a protocol that includes risk assessments and guidelines for follow-up care, emphasizing patient safety. By enabling this practice, the bill also seeks to address potential shortages in prescriptions or access to Ivermectin that patients may have faced under previous regulations.

Summary

House Bill 499 aims to allow pharmacists to dispense Ivermectin without a specific prescription, provided they receive a standing order approved by the State Board of Pharmacy from a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or certified registered nurse practitioner. This represents a significant change in the existing law which required an individual prescription for dispensation. The provision of using a standing order aims to streamline access to Ivermectin for individuals who request it, potentially increasing its availability for various treatments.

Contention

Notably, the bill prohibits healthcare providers and pharmacists from endorsing or promoting Ivermectin usage in exchange for any benefits, aiming to curb misuse and ensure that dispensing is based solely on the standing order's guidelines. This provision reflects ongoing tensions regarding the use of Ivermectin, particularly in light of its controversial status during recent health crises. Critics may argue that allowing pharmacists to dispense without an individual prescription might lead to increased misuse, while supporters may view it as a necessary measure to improve healthcare accessibility.