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A threat of administrative action against physicians who prescribe a drug that could make a difference in the fight against COVID-19 has state Rep. Jeff Yaroch (R-Richmond) seeking answers and clarification on the matter.

Yaroch led a bipartisan conference call, which included the House Appropriations subcommittee chairs and state regulators to discuss a letter sent from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Among Yaroch’s concerns is any potential threat to the “Right to Try Act,” which became law in 2014. It allows patients to try investigational drugs that would typically be limited to those taking part in clinical trials.

“Time is of the essence, and when you’re dealing with a pandemic potentially overwhelming our health care system in our state, we need to have a nonpartisan discussion to support the plan to protect our citizens,” Yaroch said in a release to the Michigan House Republicans. “The way this letter is written could cause confusion and put a medical professional in a position where they must potentially choose between their livelihood and administering care. We have approached LARA to clearly communicate directives to physicians that the state supports the FDA guidelines for the use of these potentially life-saving drugs.”

LARA’s letter addressed the usage of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to combat COVID-19, which is steadily spreading in Michigan. It touched on two areas: hoarding the medication and possible administrative actions against physicians who prescribe them.

In the letter, pharmacists were provided with a disclaimer, while health care providers have been tasked with strict reporting responsibilities. Those include the documentation of physicians who prescribe them.

Yaroch voiced a concern that physicians and pharmacists could be entering harm’s way if they made an effort to prescribe a life-saving medication. He added it was not the message the state wanted to send to the medical profession and made the call for clarification.

On April 16, the state reported over 29,000 COVID-19 cases and 2,093 resulting deaths, according to Michigan.gov.