House Bill 127 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chip BrownRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Pharmaceuticals; prohibiting the Board of Pharmacy from disciplining pharmacists who recommend off-label use of a drug; allowing over-the-counter sale of Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine.

Summary

HB127 would shield pharmacists from discipline for off-label drug recommendations or dispensing, allow over-the-counter sales of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, and curb retaliation by employers and PBMs.

What This Bill Does

It would prohibit the Board of Pharmacy from suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew a pharmacist's license solely because the pharmacist recommends off-label use or dispenses an off-label drug. It would bar employers and entities that provide pharmacy services from terminating or disciplining pharmacists for off-label activities, and would create a civil injunctive relief remedy for affected pharmacists. It would restrict pharmacy benefit managers from retaliating against pharmacists or employing pharmacies for off-label recommendations or dispensing, including actions like contract termination or audits. It would authorize the sale of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine without a prescription, and it would prohibit dispensing off-label use that has not been adequately tested in humans or proven safe.

Who It Affects

• Pharmacists licensed in Alabama: they would gain protections against license discipline for off-label recommendations or dispensing and could seek injunctive relief if disciplined in violation.
• Pharmacy employers, pharmacies, and PBMs: they would be restricted from disciplining or terminating pharmacists for off-label actions and could face civil actions for retaliation.

Key Provisions

• Board of Pharmacy may not revoke/suspend/deny license for off-label recommendations or off-label dispensing (Section 1(b)).
• Employers may not terminate or discipline a pharmacist solely for off-label activity; injunctive relief may be sought and may include reinstatement and back pay (Section 1(c)).
• Pharmacy Benefit Managers may not retaliate against pharmacists or employing pharmacies for off-label activity (Section 2(a)).
• Drugs ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are authorized for sale without prescription (Section 3).
• Effective date: October 1, 2026 (Section 4).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards