Health: pharmaceuticals; ivermectin; allow over-the-counter access. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding secs. 17771 & 17771a.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Greene and 11 co-sponsors

HB 4837 lets pharmacists dispense ivermectin without a prescription and allow OTC sales in pharmacies, if GMP-compliant and clearly labeled with dosing and safety info.

bill electronically reproduced 09/04/2025

#health:pharmaceuticals

Overview

HB 4837 would amend the Public Health Code to expand pharmacist authority over ivermectin, enabling broader access to the drug without a prescription. The bill adds two new sections (17771 and 17771a) that lay out how pharmacists and retail pharmacies may make ivermectin available to consumers. The companion bill is SB 2491.

Status: Introduced and electronically reproduced on September 4, 2025

Introduced by: Rep. Brad Paquette and colleagues

Referral: Committee on Regulatory Reform

Related: Companion bill SB 2491

Key provisions

1) Sec. 17771
- “A pharmacist may make ivermectin available without a prescription in such a manner as the pharmacist considers appropriate.”

2) Sec. 17771a
- “A pharmacist or pharmacy engaged in the business of selling drugs at retail may make ivermectin available for over-the-counter sale” in oral, tablet, or topical form, if both conditions are met:
- (a) The drug is manufactured in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP).
- (b) The packaging is clearly labeled with dosage instructions, contraindications, and safety information.

Who would be affected

Pharmacists and pharmacies: New authority to dispense ivermectin without a prescription and to sell OTC, with GMP and labeling requirements.

Drug manufacturers: If selling to the public, products must be GMP-compliant.

Consumers/patients: Potential for easier access to ivermectin for self-use, provided packaging and dosing information is available.

State regulators/inspectors: Potentially tasked with ensuring GMP compliance and proper labeling.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced: March 13, 2025 (initial filing), with subsequent actions in 2025.

Read first time: September 4, 2025 (per the latest version).

Committee: Referred to Committee on Regulatory Reform (the introduced version). Earlier actions list a different committee in April 2025, but the current version specifies Regulatory Reform.

Related legislation: Companion SB 2491.

Potential implications and considerations

Accessibility vs. safety: Expanding OTC access could improve convenience for some patients but raises questions about appropriate use, dosing, and potential safety risks.

Labeling and GMP: The requirements for GMP manufacturing and explicit labeling aim to address quality and safety, but enforcement and oversight would be essential.

Public health messaging: With self-directed use, clear consumer education and physician/pharmacist guidance will be important.

Regulatory oversight: The bill implies increased pharmacist discretion; state agencies would oversee compliance with GMP and labeling standards.

Bottom line

HB 4837 proposes to empower pharmacists to provide ivermectin without a prescription and allow OTC sales in pharmacy settings, provided GMP manufacturing and explicit labeling requirements are met. The measure would shift some access decisions to pharmacists and manufacturers, with a focus on safety information and dosage guidance. A companion bill (SB 2491) exists, and the bill is currently under consideration by the Committee on Regulatory Reform.

Bill