Steve Ahnen, president of the New Hampshire Hospital Association, released the below statement after the Governor vetoed HB1022:
We are pleased that Governor Sununu vetoed HB1022 which would have allowed pharmacists to dispense Ivermectin pursuant to a standing order and establish a commission to study the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other federal agencies charged with protecting public safety, have all indicated that Ivermectin is not recommended to treat COVID-19, nor is it authorized or approved for use in preventing or treating COVID-19. Current available data from ongoing clinical trials do not show that ivermectin is effective against COVID-19.
There are only four medications that are currently available to patients in New Hampshire under a standing order. The process to establish a standing order has historically been, and should continue to be, rigorous and involve all affected stakeholders and appropriate regulatory bodies. That was not the case with Ivermectin and the Governor rightly vetoed HB 1022.
We appreciate the Governor’s leadership in supporting the health and safety of New Hampshire residents and ensuring the health and safety of our patients, health care workers and our communities.
