During the COVID-19 pandemic in Arkansas, Stubblefield staunchly opposed the appointment of Dr. José Romero to head the Arkansas Department of Health due to Romero's discouragement of the use of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19; there is no evidence to indicate that hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial, is an effective COVID-19 treatment. Romero was ultimately confirmed on a 25–8 vote.Michael R. Wickline, Senate confirms Romero 25-8: Doctor held health agency reins for much of pandemic, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (April 9, 2021). During the pandemic, Stubblefield also touted ivermectin, a cattle dewormer, as treatment against COVID-19; the FDA does not recommend Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19.
