Iowa House testimony on over-the-counter ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine

Laura Belin recorded this Iowa House Health and Human Services subcommittee hearing on January 22, 2026. Republican State Representatives Eddie Andrews and Brett Barker (a pharmacist) and Democratic State Representative Austin Baeth (a physician) heard testimony on House File 2056, which would require Iowa's state medical director to issue a standing order authorizing the dispensing of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, and would require pharmacists to dispense those medications to patients who are at least 18 years old.

During the subcommittee, groups representing pharmacists and mainstream medical organizations spoke against the legislation, while advocates of "medical freedom" argued in favor of the proposal.

Bill text:

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislatio...

Lobbyist declarations:

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/lobbyist/r...

After hearing public testimony, Baeth spoke vehemently against the bill, which he called "mandated medical malpractice." Andrews said he was committed to advancing the bill, noting that many over-the-counter medications were once available only by prescriptions and could have side effects.

During the subcommittee, Barker expressed "strong concerns" about the legislation, saying, "Pharmacists have a corresponding responsibility to ensure the safety and appropriateness of every prescription that they provide to a patient. That's the core of the professional autonomy of the profession."

Later on January 22, Barker signed off on advancing the bill to the full Iowa House Health and Human Services Committee, with a view to amending it. He said,

"It's unusual for me to kill one of my colleagues' bills in a subcommittee, especially if they want to have continued conversations and potentially make some changes," Barker told the Des Moines Register. "So out of just professional courtesy, I'll listen to what he has to say."

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/sto...