Senate · Introduced · 2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 366: Controlled Substances and Pharmacists and Pharmacies; ivermectin as an over-the-counter medication in this state; provide

Last action March 28, 2025 · Senate Read and Referred

Senate Bill 366 would let Georgians buy ivermectin over the counter without a prescription, by removing it from the state's list of dangerous drugs and creating a new law allowing its sale as a nonprescription medication.

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In plain language

Right now, ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasites, head lice, and rosacea, is classified in Georgia law as a dangerous drug, meaning it generally cannot be sold without a prescription. Senate Bill 366 changes that by removing ivermectin from the specific dangerous drug listings in Georgia's controlled substances law (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71). The bill then adds a brand new section to Georgia's pharmacy law (O.C.G.A. § 26-4-7) that defines ivermectin and defines what counts as an over-the-counter medication (one that can be sold and bought without a prescription or a consultation with a pharmacist or other healthcare provider). It then states plainly that ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased over the counter in Georgia, overriding any other law that would say otherwise. The bill repeals any conflicting laws but does not include a specific effective date beyond the standard process for bills signed into law.

What the bill does

Removes ivermectin from two specific paragraphs of Georgia's dangerous drug definition in O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71, eliminating its classification there.
Creates a new Code section, O.C.G.A. § 26-4-7, that defines ivermectin and defines the term 'over-the-counter medication.'
Declares that ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased as an over-the-counter medication in Georgia, regardless of any other conflicting law.
Repeals any other Georgia laws that conflict with allowing ivermectin to be sold without a prescription.

Who it affects

Georgia pharmacies and retailers that sell medication, pharmacists, consumers who want to buy ivermectin for conditions like parasitic worms, head lice, or rosacea, and healthcare providers who currently prescribe or oversee ivermectin use.

Why it matters

If enacted, Georgians would be able to walk into a store and buy ivermectin without seeing a doctor or pharmacist first, similar to buying aspirin or allergy medicine. This changes how the drug is accessed and removes the current requirement for professional oversight before purchase or use.

Key provisions

Section 1 repeals paragraph (506.8) of subsection (b) and paragraph (12.1) of subsection (c) of O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71, removing ivermectin from the dangerous drug classification.
Section 2 adds new Code section 26-4-7, defining 'ivermectin' as an antiparasitic drug used in both veterinary and human medicine, and defining 'over-the-counter medication.'
Section 2 also states that ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased over the counter in Georgia, notwithstanding any contrary law.
Section 3 repeals all other laws that conflict with the Act.

From the bill

“Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased as an over-the-counter medication in this state.”
This is the bill's core provision, allowing ivermectin to be sold without a prescription in Georgia.

“'Ivermectin' means an antiparasitic drug with multiple uses, including, but not limited to, in veterinary medicine, to prevent and treat heartworm and acariasis, and in human medicine, to treat parasitic worms, head lice, and rosacea.”
This defines what counts as ivermectin under the new law, covering both animal and human uses.

Status timeline

2025-03-28Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2025-03-27Senate Hopper (Senate)

Topics

ivermectin
over-the-counter medication
pharmacy law
controlled substances
drug access

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