The proposed bill, titled the Medical Freedom Act, amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance parental rights regarding vaccinations for minors and to allow pharmacists to provide ivermectin without a prescription. Specifically, it requires health care practitioners and paramedics to inform parents or guardians about the risks and benefits of vaccines before administering them to minors, and to obtain their acknowledgment of this information. Additionally, it allows for the administration of vaccines to be spread over multiple encounters at the request of the parent or guardian. The bill also stipulates that certain amendments regarding vaccination information will take effect 30 days after the relevant boards adopt the necessary materials.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new section that permits pharmacists to dispense ivermectin to adults as a behind-the-counter medication until it is approved for over-the-counter sale by the FDA. Pharmacists must provide written information about the medication's use and are granted immunity from civil and criminal liability when acting in good faith. The bill also revises school-entry immunization exemption requirements, making it easier for parents to obtain exemptions based on religious or conscience-based objections, and mandates that the Department of Health make exemption forms publicly available. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1756 Filed: 381.00315, 456.0575