Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to change how specific medications, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, are sold within the state of Minnesota. It aims to make these drugs available as over-the-counter medications, which means they could be purchased without needing a prescription.

Main Provisions

• The bill mandates that all registered pharmacies and licensed pharmacists must sell ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine as over-the-counter drugs. This means consumers can purchase these medications without consulting a healthcare professional.

• It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 151.01, by adding a definition for "over-the-counter drug." Under the new definition, these are drugs legally available for retail sale that do not require a prescription or consultation with a pharmacist or other health care professional.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Currently, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are typically prescription medications that require a healthcare provider’s recommendation to obtain. This bill proposes a legal change allowing people to buy these drugs directly from pharmacies without any prescription, making them more accessible for consumers.

Relevant Terms

• Ivermectin
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Over-the-counter drug
• Prescription drugs
• Pharmacy regulations