A bill that would have shielded providers from liability when prescribing ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine failed in the South Dakota House on Thursday. Rep. Bobbi Andera of Sioux Falls, the bill’s sponsor, argued it would give medical providers more freedom.
Opponents including Rep. Will Mortensen warned it created an overly broad liability waiver, removing patients’ ability to seek recourse if harmed.
Both drugs drew national attention during the COVID‑19 pandemic but are not FDA‑approved for treating the virus and can cause serious side effects. After lengthy debate and personal testimonies from lawmakers, the bill was defeated 28–40.
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