Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Issues Statement on Prescribing Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine
"It has come to my attention that physicians may be abusing their privilege to prescribe medications by writing prescriptions for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for themselves, their friends and their families without any legitimate medical need for the medication," said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. "As Attorney General, I am very concerned with these reports and will work vigorously with Ohio’s regulatory boards and agencies to address any illegal or prohibited conduct. I encourage anyone who has written a prescription of this type improperly to self-report to their respective regulatory authority.”
The State Medical Board of Ohio takes allegations of inappropriate prescribing very seriously. We are actively investigating complaints as they come in, and we are committed to working with the Ohio Attorney General on any necessary enforcement actions for bad prescribing. It is the mission of the Medical Board to ensure the health and safety of Ohioans, and the public health crisis impacting the globe underscores that duty to protect patients.
The rule that placed limits on dispensing chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine was updated effective March 26. Governor Mike DeWine originally authorized the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy to file emergency rule 4729-5-30.2 of the Administrative Code on March 22.
4729-5-30.2
(A) Unless otherwise approved by the board’s executive director, no prescription for
chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may be dispensed by a pharmacist or sold at retail by a
licensed terminal distributor of dangerous drugs unless all the following apply:
(1) The prescription bears a written diagnosis code from the prescriber; and
(2) If written for a COVID-19 diagnosis, the diagnosis has been confirmed by a positive test result, which is documented on the prescription and both of the following apply:
(a) The prescription is limited to no more than a fourteen-day supply; and
(b) No refills may be permitted unless a new prescription is furnished.
(B)
UPDATED 3/26/20 - the Pharmacy Board’s Executive Director, in consultation with the Pharmacy Board President have authorized the dispensing of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for presumptive positive patients for either of the following:
- For use as part of a documented institutional review board-approved clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drugs to treat COVID-19. Prescriptions must include documentation that the patient is enrolled in a clinical trial.
- For the continuation of inpatient treatment for COVID-19 using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for patients discharged from a hospital. The prescriber shall be required to notate on the prescription that the patient has been discharged from the hospital and the prescription shall be for no more than a fourteen-day supply.
Click here to read the entire updated rule and frequently asked questions.
To read the COVID-19 Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine checklist from the Ohio Department of Health click here.
Click to read how to issue a valid prescription.
To view all prescriber resources, visit med.ohio.gov and click the resources tab.
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