Tri-City Sun

A state representative has asked that physicians be permitted to prescribe an experimental drug for the treatment of COVID-19 victims without fear of losing their medical licenses. 

According to the Michigan House Republicans, Rep. Annette Glenn (R-Midland), who is also the vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), recently spoke with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs about the prescription of hydroxychloroquine -- an anti-malaria drug -- to individuals who are suffering from the novel coronavirus. 

Glenn was concerned to hear that LARA issued an order to the entire state, which health care professionals believed to be a threat to remove their licensing if they prescribed the drug for COVID-19, as well as the licenses of pharmacists who filled the prescription. 

“I’ve heard from doctors and pharmacists in our community who were upset and concerned about LARA’s threat memo,” Glenn told Michigan House Republicans. “Health care professionals and their patients in Bay and Midland Counties need clear, unequivocal answers to ensure they’re able to use any drugs or treatment available to save the lives of our family, friends and fellow community members.”

While it has not received acceptance across the board as a treatment for COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine has been reported by a number of states as a successful way to treat the virus, especially for those who are currently at advanced stages. 

Michigan, Glenn said, should be especially willing for this drug to be offered as an option, as the state is a Right to Try state, allowing terminal patients the opportunity to experiment with treatments thought to ease their condition, even if they are not cleared for usage, in a regulatory sense.

Glenn spoke with LARA about the order and learned that the governor had not prohibited the drug from being used, but rather that the order was meant to be a deterrent for those who might begin hoarding the drug, causing shortages when conditions become dire. 

“As we move forward, conversations such as these will continue, and I’ll continue to work with my colleagues of both parties, state agencies and the governor’s office to address and solve the issues facing our residents during this unprecedented public health and economic challenge,” Glenn said, according to Michigan House Republicans.