Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB642

Introduced
1/31/24  
Introduced
1/31/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to self-administered hormonal contraceptives.(See HF 2584.)

Impact

The legislation has implications for state law concerning reproductive health and pharmacy practices. By enabling pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraceptives without a prior appointment or prescription, it aims to increase access to these medications, thereby potentially reducing unintended pregnancies and addressing healthcare needs more efficiently. Additionally, the bill stipulates that pharmacists must complete standardized training, conduct risk assessments, and provide patient counseling before dispensing these contraceptives, ensuring a level of care and education regarding the use and risks associated with hormonal birth control.

Summary

House Study Bill 642 aims to modify the dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives by pharmacists in Iowa. Specifically, it allows pharmacists to dispense these contraceptives without requiring a prior prescription from a healthcare provider, provided they operate under a standing order established by the medical director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill defines self-administered hormonal contraceptives to include various forms such as oral contraceptives, patches, and rings but expressly excludes any drug intended to induce abortion. Furthermore, the bill sets limits on the supply pharmacists can dispense, with an initial three-month supply permitted at the first dispensing and subsequent refills allowed for up to twelve months at a time.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HSB642 include debate over the role of pharmacists in reproductive healthcare and concerns regarding the adequacy of patient assessments without a practitioner’s intervention. Critics may argue that bypassing healthcare providers in contraceptive dispensing diminishes the quality of patient care, while proponents emphasize the need for accessible reproductive health options. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that offer legal immunity to pharmacists dispensing these products, which raises questions among opponents regarding accountability and the safeguarding of patient welfare in pharmaceutical practices.

Companion Bills

IA HF2584

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to self-administered hormonal contraceptives.(Formerly HSB 642.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2584

A bill for an act relating to self-administered hormonal contraceptives.(Formerly HSB 642.)

IA HF691

A bill for an act relating to the prescribing and dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

IA HF605

A bill for an act relating to the prescribing and dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

IA SB659

Modifies provisions relating to self-administered hormonal contraceptives

IA SB1128

Modifies provisions relating to self-administered hormonal contraceptives

IA SF2141

A bill for an act relating to the ordering and dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives by a pharmacist pursuant to statewide protocols.

IA HB1050

Relating to the authority of pharmacists to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

IA SF336

A bill for an act relating to the ordering and dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives by a pharmacist pursuant to statewide protocols.

IA A2769

Allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives under certain circumstances.

IA S945

Requires Medicaid coverage for self-administered hormonal contraceptives dispensed by pharmacist under standing order.

Similar Bills

IA HF605

A bill for an act relating to the prescribing and dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

IA HF691

A bill for an act relating to the prescribing and dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

IA HF2584

A bill for an act relating to self-administered hormonal contraceptives.(Formerly HSB 642.)

IA HF427

A bill for an act relating to the health and well-being of children and families including provisions for regional centers of excellence, a state-funded family medicine obstetrical fellowship program, self-administered hormonal contraceptives, maternal support and fatherhood initiatives, adoption expenses under the adoption subsidy program, and accessibility to the all Iowa scholarship program; making appropriations; and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 91.)

IA SSB1116

A bill for an act relating to the health and well-being of children and families including provisions for maternal support and fatherhood initiatives, regional centers of excellence, a state-funded family medicine obstetrics fellowship program, self-administered hormonal contraceptives, state employee parental leave, adoption expenses under the adoption subsidy program, and accessibility to the all Iowa scholarship program; making appropriations; and including effective date and applicability provisions.

CA AB968

Contraceptives.

IN HB1224

Pharmacist contraceptive prescriptions.

IN SB0189

Pharmacist contraceptive prescriptions.