I’ve been comparing the Iowa legislature bills on allowing ivermectin to be available over-the-counter in pharmacies. There were two of them and then there was one.
In the first bill, HF 2056, the language in it seemed to strongly direct pharmacists to make ivermectin available by using the word “shall”:
- ” The medical director of the department shall establish a standing order authorizing the dispensing of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin by a pharmacist.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a pharmacist shall dispense hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin to a patient who is at least eighteen years of age, upon the request of a patient, pursuant to a standing order established by the medical director of the department in accordance with this section.”
The bill goes to say that “A pharmacist shall be immune from criminal and civil liability arising from any damages caused by the dispensing or use of…” these agents.
In Governor Reynolds version of the bill (included in HF 2676, successor to HSB 964), at least today, uses the word “may”:
“Sec. 17. NEW SECTION. 126.24 Ivermectin—prescription drug order not required.
- A pharmacist or pharmacy may distribute ivermectin for human consumption as an over-the-counter medicine.
- A pharmacist or pharmacy shall not be subject to professional discipline or civil or criminal penalties for the distribution of ivermectin pursuant to this section.”
I think the word “may” in Governor Reynolds’s bill implies a pharmacist can distribute ivermectin, but is not necessarily required to do so. In the HF 2056 bill (which died in the first funnel) the word “shall” implies the pharmacist must do so. Hydroxychloroquine is not mentioned in the governor’s version of the bill.
Although neither of these bills mentioned why the ivermectin bill is being introduced, I think it’s clear that some people think it could be an alternative to vaccines for Covid-19. Because research shows ivermectin is ineffective for treating Covid-19 and because they’re not FDA approved for that, I doubt any pharmacist would choose to do what the bill says.
This seems to be turning into a weird game of “Captain, May I?” I think the majority of pharmacists would rather not play.
Go Retire Psychiatrist 