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.