An Act to Permit the Dispensing of Ivermectin Pursuant to a Standing Order upon Request for COVID-19, Flu and Cancer Patients
Impact
Should LD890 be passed, it would allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin following a standing order from a licensed practitioner. This standing order must detail the authorization for the specific usage of ivermectin in treating the aforementioned diseases, as well as documentation requirements to ensure patients are screened properly. The changes proposed by the bill may enhance the role of pharmacists in providing immediate care to patients seeking treatment, potentially improving health outcomes for those affected by these serious illnesses.
Summary
LD890, known as An Act to Permit the Dispensing of Ivermectin Pursuant to a Standing Order upon Request for COVID-19, Flu and Cancer Patients, aims to allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription under specified conditions. This measure is framed within the context of treating patients with COVID-19, influenza, or cancer, thus seeking to provide easier access to this medication in a pharmacy setting. The initiative could lead to changes in how certain treatments are administered in the state, particularly in pharmacies where patients can directly request ivermectin.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the bill appears to be cautiously supportive among healthcare providers who advocate for increased access to treatments in a timely manner, especially for patients who are seriously ill. However, there are likely concerns regarding the implications of allowing a pharmacy-based distribution of ivermectin without a direct prescription, particularly considering debates surrounding the drug's efficacy and safety in treating COVID-19 and other conditions. Stakeholder perspectives may vary, with some viewing it as a necessary step towards patient empowerment and accessibility, while others may hold apprehensive views regarding safety and oversight.
Contention
The main points of contention surrounding LD890 are related to the regulatory oversight and potential misuse of ivermectin. While the bill aims to provide patients with quicker access to treatments, critics may voice concerns about the implications of pharmacists dispensing medications that traditionally require a prescription. This could lead to debates on professional boundaries within pharmacy practice, the necessity of direct medical supervision, and the potential for adverse effects if the medications are not used appropriately.
Permitting pharmacists to dispense the drug Ivermectin by means of a standing order and establishing a commission to study the use of Ivermectin to treat Covid-19.
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.