This bill establishes a new section in the Oklahoma Statutes that designates chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin as over-the-counter drugs. As a result, pharmacists and pharmacies will not be allowed to require a prescription for the purchase of these medications. The bill also outlines penalties for non-compliance, stating that if the State Board of Pharmacy determines that a pharmacist or pharmacy has violated this provision, they will face immediate license revocation and a fine of $100,000 for each occurrence.
The effective date for this legislation is set for November 1, 2025. This bill aims to increase accessibility to these specific drugs by removing prescription requirements, while also imposing strict penalties to ensure compliance among pharmacists and pharmacies.