Public Health

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Wednesday passed a bill in the Public Health Committee that would allow ivermectin suitable for human use to be sold over-the-counter in pharmacies. House Bill 4124 would permit a pharmacist to supply ivermectin to a person without requiring a prescription from a health care professional. Notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacy would not be criminally or civilly liable for supplying ivermectin. "Many people throughout Oklahoma and the nation take ivermectin for a variety of ailments," Fetgatter said. "And while it can be prescribed by doctors, many currently choose to purchase this product over the counter at the local farm supply store. We're just asking that pharmacies be able to offer this the same way." Fetgatter said the bill was a constituent request. He said in rural communities, it can be a long commute to get to a healthcare practitioner if one is available. This bill would give his constituents the freedom and discretion to purchase a product they feel works best for them. The bill passed in the House Public Health Committee on a vote of 5-1. It now is eligible to be heard in the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee.

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, today provided an update on the potential distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have notified states that, without congressional action to approve additional funding, SNAP benefits could be delayed or reduced beginning November 1st. Pae and Gise, who lead the House Human Services Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, said they have been in constant contact with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), who is working closely with federal partners to ensure Oklahomans who rely on SNAP are informed and supported. As of May 2025, Oklahoma has 696,842 active SNAP participants. "We understand how critical SNAP benefits are for Oklahoma families, seniors and children," Pae said. "No family should have to worry about putting food on the table because of uncertainty in Washington. The House is committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure Oklahoma families have the support they need." Gise added, "So many Oklahoma families are already doing everything they can to stretch each dollar, and the threat of losing access to food assistance is deeply unsettling. While we continue to push for solutions at the state and federal level, we also know the strength of our communities lies in how we show up for one another. If you’re in a position to give or volunteer, reach out to your local food banks and community organizations. This is a time that calls for compassion and unity, not politics." On Tuesday, Pae and Gise co-hosted an interim study at the State Capitol examining the effectiveness and future of SNAP in Oklahoma, focusing on ways to reduce the state’s payment error rate and fraud. The study brought together state agencies, food security advocates and policy experts to discuss how to strengthen access to nutrition assistance and improve outcomes for families across the state. "It’s deeply frustrating that gridlock in Washington, driven by Senator Chuck Schumer and the majority of Senate Democrats’ unwillingness to act, is putting critical programs like SNAP at risk," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Oklahoma families shouldn’t have to pay the price for partisan inaction. The Oklahoma House remains focused on protecting our citizens and ensuring families, seniors and children have access to the support they need, regardless of what happens in D.C."  As more information becomes available, OKDHS will provide updates regarding the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits at oklahoma.gov/okdhs/shutdown .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, will hold an interim study this week on the response to COVID. "The study will demonstrate people unnecessarily died due to protocols established by government," Humphrey said. "It is important to take actions and pass legislation that will prevent the government from mishandling another pandemic." Time: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Date: Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 Place: Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 4S5, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City Presenters include: Dr. David Martin who will give a history of COVID starting with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS CoV-1) and federal mandates; Dr. Pierre Kory who will discuss medical treatments and hospital protocols, including denials of treatment and rejected drugs; Dr. Mary Bowden, who will discuss gene vaccines, the push of the "safe and effective" narrative, adverse effects and censorship of doctors, including threats to licensing; Kevin McKernan, chief scientific officer and founder of Medicinal Genomics, who will present his proof of contamination and adulteration of COVID mRNA Vaccines; Dr. Janci Lindsay, who will discuss gene therapies and vaccines, potential adverse effects, reported failures of safety and regulatory agencies and accusations of collusion; Attorney Warner Mendenhall, who will discuss financial, medial and pharmacy incentives, the forced use of specific protocols, and insurance company reimbursements for only specific medicines; and Attorney Rachel Rodriguez, who will explain requested legislation.