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H 446

IVERMECTIN – Adds to existing law to provide that ivermectin may be sold or purchased without a prescription or consultation with a health care professional.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Idaho H 446 lets ivermectin suitable for humans be sold OTC without prescription; emergency effective July 1, 2025, boosting access while raising safety and labeling concerns.

Reported Printed; Filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk
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Bill Summary · H 446

Idaho House Bill 446 (H 446) — Ivermectin OTC Purchase

Overview

H 446 proposes to amend Idaho law to allow ivermectin suitable for human use to be sold or purchased without a prescription or consultation with a health care professional. The bill adds a new section (37-135) to Chapter 1, Title 37, Idaho Code, and includes an emergency clause making the measure effective July 1, 2025. The bill was introduced on March 25, 2025 and has been reported printed and filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk.

What the bill would do

  • Create a new Idaho Code section 37-135 establishing that ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased as an over-the-counter medication without a prescription or healthcare professional consultation.
  • Define “over-the-counter medication” as medication that may be legally sold and purchased without a prescription.
  • Declares an emergency and sets the act to be in force on and after July 1, 2025.

Key provisions

  • Scope: Applies to ivermectin suitable for human use.
  • Access: Removes the requirement for prescription or clinician consultation for purchasable ivermectin.
  • Terminology: Clarifies OTC status through the definition of “over-the-counter medication.”
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025, due to the emergency clause.

Fiscal note and procedural context

  • Fiscal Note (attached as part of the bill package): Indicates no significant fiscal impact on the state; no new regulatory oversight or enforcement costs; may reduce minor burdens on healthcare providers.
  • Note: The fiscal note and purpose statements are from a proponent and may reflect their perspective.

Affected parties

  • Idaho residents who would need or prefer to purchase ivermectin without a prescription.
  • Retailers or pharmacies that sell OTC medications.
  • Healthcare providers who might experience changes in patient access and prescription demand.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Access and autonomy: Consumers would gain easier access to ivermectin without a clinical visit or prescription.
  • Safety and oversight: Removing prescription requirements could raise questions about appropriate use, dosing, potential interactions, and self-diagnosis.
  • Public health and regulatory implications: State may need to monitor misuse, adverse events, and ensure clear labeling and pharmacist guidance remains available where applicable.
  • Emergency clause: The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, creating a defined transition period for implementation.

Procedural history

  • Introduced: March 25, 2025
  • Actions: Read first time, referred to JRA for printing; reported printed; filed in the Office of the Chief Clerk

Note: This summary presents the bill’s text and stated purposes. It does not endorse the policy; it simply explains the bill’s provisions and potential implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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