HB1089: HB1089 Controlled substances; ivermectin as an over-the-counter medication; provide

Georgia currently classifies ivermectin, a medication used to treat parasites and some skin conditions, as a dangerous drug under state law (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71), meaning it generally requires a prescription. There is already a narrow exception for low-strength topical lotions. This bill rewrites that exception to also cover ivermectin products that a pharmacist distributes in their original, FDA-approved finished packaging, as allowed by rules from the State Board of Pharmacy. In practice, this would let pharmacists provide certain pre-packaged, FDA-approved ivermectin products to consumers without treating them as a controlled dangerous drug requiring a doctor's prescription, so long as the Board of Pharmacy's rules for distribution are followed. The bill repeals any conflicting laws and does not list a delayed effective date in the text provided.

• Rewrites part of Georgia's dangerous drug law (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71) to expand the exception for ivermectin beyond low-strength topical lotions.
• Adds a new carve-out allowing pharmacists to distribute FDA-approved, finished-dosage ivermectin products in their original packaging under State Board of Pharmacy rules.
• Keeps the existing exception for topical lotions containing 0.5 percent or less ivermectin.
• Repeals any other Georgia laws that conflict with this change.

Pharmacists and pharmacies, who could distribute certain ivermectin products under State Board of Pharmacy rules; consumers seeking ivermectin for approved uses; and the State Board of Pharmacy, which would set the distribution rules referenced in the bill.

Georgians could get certain FDA-approved, pre-packaged ivermectin products from a pharmacist without a doctor's prescription, changing how easily people can obtain the drug for uses the FDA has approved, while the medication remains regulated through pharmacy board rules rather than treated purely as a controlled dangerous drug.

• Section 1 revises paragraph (12.1) of subsection (c) of O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71, which lists exceptions to the dangerous drug classification.
• The revised exception keeps the current allowance for topical lotions with 0.5 percent or less ivermectin.
• The revised exception adds a new allowance for ivermectin distributed by a pharmacist, in its original FDA-approved finished packaging, as provided by State Board of Pharmacy rules.
• Section 2 repeals any laws in conflict with the Act, a standard clause with no separate substantive effect.

1. 2026-03-06House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
2. 2026-02-03House Second Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-02House First Readers (House)
4. 2026-01-29House Hopper (House)

• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)Primary sponsor
• David Clark (R, HD-100)
• Leesa Hagan (R, HD-156)
• Charlice Byrd (R, HD-020)
• Noelle Kahaian (R, HD-081)

• ivermectin
• dangerous drugs law
• pharmacy regulation
• over-the-counter medication