Bill > H4042

This bill, titled "Ivermectin," proposes to amend South Carolina law by adding a new section that would authorize the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of FDA-approved ivermectin tablets labeled for human use to individuals eighteen years of age or older, meaning it could be purchased without a prescription, though it must be kept in an area accessible only to pharmacy personnel. The South Carolina Board of Pharmacy would be responsible for establishing standard procedures for dispensing, including requiring a screening risk assessment tool for patients, providing them with information on ivermectin's uses, proper administration, and the importance of medical follow-up, and prohibiting dispensing if contraindications or significant drug interactions are identified. Pharmacists would be protected from liability for incomplete patient information and granted immunity from disciplinary actions and civil liability unless acting with gross negligence or willful misconduct, provided they follow the Board's rules. However, the bill clarifies that pharmacists are not required to dispense ivermectin if they believe it could jeopardize a patient's health or safety, nor are they obligated to stock the medication, and health insurance providers would not be required to cover its cost.