HB278 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip RigsbyRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Pharmacists, allow to dispense ivermectin without a prescription

Summary

HB278 would let pharmacists dispense ivermectin without a patient prescription under standing orders from doctors or certain advanced practice providers, with safety protocols and protections for providers and pharmacists.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would allow a physician, physician assistant, or certified registered nurse practitioner to issue a standing order approved by the State Board of Pharmacy that lets a pharmacist dispense ivermectin to individuals without a prescription. The standing order must include a risk assessment protocol, a standardized information sheet about use and follow-up, and a form to record the risk assessment and dosage. It also sets rules to prevent inducements to promote ivermectin and gives protections from disciplinary action for providers and pharmacists who follow the standing order, with specific allowances for refusals and for handling potential defects in the standing order. The act would take effect on October 1, 2025 and requires the Board of Pharmacy to adopt implementing rules.

Who It Affects

• Physicians, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse practitioners who sign standing orders to authorize dispensing of ivermectin (protected from disciplinary action when acting within the standing order).
• Pharmacists who dispense ivermectin under a standing order (must follow risk assessments and documentation; protected from certain disciplinary actions; may still refuse to dispense despite a standing order).
• Patients 19 years of age or older, or unemancipated minors with parental consent, who would receive ivermectin without a prescription under the standing order.
• State Board of Pharmacy and other licensing boards (responsible for approving standing orders, adopting rules, and overseeing implementation).

Key Provisions

• Allows certain health care providers (physician, physician assistant, or certified registered nurse practitioner) to issue a standing order approved by the State Board of Pharmacy to dispense ivermectin without a prescription.
• Requires standing orders to include a risk assessment protocol, a standardized information sheet with use instructions and follow-up guidance, and a form to document assessment and dosage dispensed.
• Permits dispensing to individuals 19+ or unemancipated minors with parental consent under the standing order.
• Prohibits health care providers and pharmacists from participating in programs or receiving benefits intended to induce endorsement or promotion of ivermectin.
• Provides that signing or following a standing order and dispensing ivermectin cannot subject providers or pharmacists to disciplinary action under certain conditions; also protects against disciplinary action for good-faith interpretation or defects in the standing order.
• Requires the State Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules to implement and administer the act.
• Establishes that the act does not create standards of medical or pharmaceutical practice and does not override existing liability statutes; compliance evidence is not admissible to prove negligence.
• Takes effect October 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health