Update from the Board of County Commissioners Special Meeting

Commissioners withdraw filing an amicus brief

Reno, Nev. May 7, 2020. The following highlights an important agenda item from the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:

1. Washoe County Commissioners withdraw support regarding the ban on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. After discussion, Commissioners decided to reconsider previous direction regarding filing an amicus brief supporting the legal challenge in support of the Nevada Osteopathic Medical Association’s (NOMA) legal challenge to the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy’s emergency regulation banning the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.

“This was a call on my behalf to the board when we initially brought this forward, however, COVID-19 has been a rapidly changing situation. The initial intent to support was to protect the doctor-patient relationship and provide our citizens the ability to receive treatment as their providers saw fit,” said Chair Bob Lucey. “Things have changed dramatically in the past couple of weeks, and after discussion with legal and medical professionals, as other treatments become available, I believe it is prudent we reconsider moving forward.”

Commissioners decided to withdraw support based on new developments and CDC guidance, as such, the legal proceedings will not move forward.

“This was never about a political push or a bias, this was purely about the medicine, and the medicine has changed. Our state and our Governor has done everything in their power to serve and protect our citizens throughout this pandemic, and want to continue to commend the state as they work together with us all here in Washoe County,” said Lucey.

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