JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers this week passed legislation that appears to bar pharmacists from questioning doctors who prescribe the controversial off-label drugs ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for patients.
The measure, which passed the House on a resounding 130-4 vote this week, was tucked into a bill related to professional licensing. After passing both chambers, the bill now heads to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk.
According to its language, the bill would prevent state medical licensing boards from punishing or taking away the medical licenses of doctors who “lawfully” prescribe the two drugs. And it prevents pharmacists from contacting a doctor or patient “to dispute the efficacy of ivermectin tablets or hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets for human use” unless the doctor or patient asks about the drugs’ effectiveness.
