New Hampshire advanced, and then the state house of representatives passed legislation allowing pharmacists to dispense the “controversial” medication ivermectin for treatment of Covid-19 under a standing order. “A standing order is a prescriptive protocol written by a physician or nurse practitioner that allows a pharmacist to dispense a medication without an individual prescription,” said state Rep. Leah Cushman, R-Weare. House Bill 1022 allows pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription. But another piece of legislation, House Bill 1466, which went through the house on a voice vote, keeps the prescription decisions with doctors giving physicians more authority to prescribe “off label” drugs specifically for diseases the drugs are approved to treat.

Legislation Looking for Compromise in NH Senate

The bills have reached the New Hampshire State Senate, and politicians are looking to combine the two pieces of legislation. The bills are still in the senate committee. However, the chairperson asked one of the sponsors of the bill allowing pharmacists to dispense medication if the alternative legislation of seeking a doctor’s prescription is acceptable, and the sponsor said “yes.”

Kansas Bill Waiting for Governor’s Signature

A similar bill has passed through the Kansas state legislature and is now awaiting the governor’s signature. The Kansas bill allows doctors to prescribe ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine without fear of reprisals from the state health board. The legislation is now on the desk of the governor of Kansas.

More States Moving Forward with Similar Bills

In mostly conservative-led Republican states like Indiana, South Carolina, and Colorado, bills allowing ivermectin to be dispensed are moving forward. In many instances, state attorneys general have written letters of support for the legislation. A complete list of states where legislation is being considered or passed is available here.