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Committee Report

March 25, 2026

 

H. 4042

 

Introduced by Reps. Kilmartin, White, Gilreath, Cromer, Guffey, Harris, Hager, McCravy, Edgerton, Terribile, Magnuson, Lastinger, D. Mitchell, Sessions, Chapman, Brewer, Lawson, Oremus, Hartz, Vaughan, Pedalino, Teeple, Landing, Rankin, Schuessler, Ligon, Long, Sanders, Ford and T. Moore

 

S. Printed 3/25/26--H.

Read the first time February 19, 2025

 

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The committee on House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 4042) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 44-53-150 so as to authorize the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin tablets, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

 

   Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-53-150 and inserting:

    Section 44-53-150. (A) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, ivermectin tablets may be made available to the public for over-the-counter purchase in this State to any person who is at least eighteen years of age. No prescription order or consultation with a pharmacist or other healthcare professional shall be required for such purchase.

    (B) The Board of Pharmacy shall adopt rules to establish standard procedures for the dispensing of ivermectin including the following:

       (1) Providing the patient with a screening risk assessment tool.

       (2) Providing the patient with information on the indications and contraindications for the use of ivermectin, the appropriate method for using ivermectin, the importance of medical follow-up, and any other information considered appropriate by the department.

       (3) Prohibitions on dispensing ivermectin that contains any ingredients determined by the department to be harmful or in conflict with any current medications.

    (C) A pharmacist acting in good faith and with reasonable care pursuant to this section is immune from disciplinary or adverse administrative actions from the Board of Pharmacy and is immune from civil liability in the absence of gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

    (D) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a health insurance issuer to provide coverage for the cost of ivermectin dispensed pursuant to the provisions of this section.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

 

S.H. DAVIS for Committee.

 

 

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill allows ivermectin tablets to be available for over-the-counter purchase in South Carolina without prescription order or pharmacist consultation.

This bill will have no expenditure impact on DPH as the agency indicates that it does not regulate over-the-counter drugs.  LLR also indicates that the bill will have no expenditure impact on the agency or licensing boards since it does not alter the duties or responsibilities of the agency or boards.

 

 

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-150 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE OVER-THE-COUNTER SALE OF IVERMECTIN TABLETS.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Article 3, Chapter 53, Title 44 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 44-53-150. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, ivermectin tablets may be made available to the public for over-the-counter purchase in this State. No prescription order or consultation with a pharmacist or other healthcare professional shall be required for such purchase.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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