COLUMBUS, Ohio - State Representative Al Cutrona has signed on as a joint sponsor of legislation to stop the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy's decision to halt the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19.

According to the release, the Board's rule was set to go into effect on July 30.

Hydroxychloroquine is a drug used to treat arthritis but has also been used to prevent malaria.

Cutrona's bill would prohibit the Board from preventing the use of approved medications including hydroxychloroquine for off-label treatment purposes when prescribed by a medical professional.

The Pharmacy Board rescinded their decision and the commissioner of the Food and Drug Association stated that the use of hydroxychloroquine was "between a patient and their doctor."

"It's essential to protect the jobs of our physicians and what they determine must be prescribed to treat their patients' illnesses," said Cutrona.