Rep. Zenger files bill in North Carolina House on ivermectin distribution

A new bill filed by State Rep. Jeff Zenger in the North Carolina House seeks to expand access to ivermectin while providing legal protections for pharmacists and the State Health Director, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 618 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Ivermectin Access Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates the State Health Director to issue a statewide standing order, permitting pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without requiring a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional. The legislation ensures that both the State Health Director and pharmacists have immunity from civil or criminal liability for actions taken under the standing order. The order must be issued by Oct. 1, 2025. The bill’s effective date is upon enactment, focusing on enhancing access to ivermectin while legally protecting those involved in its distribution as per the directive.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Neal Jackson proposed the most bills (26) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Zenger, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 74th House district, replacing previous state representative Wes Schollander.