Amends current law so that initial contraceptive prescriptions would no longer be limited to a 3-month supply.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly impact state laws governing pharmacies and healthcare delivery by broadening pharmacists' capabilities in prescribing medications. Key provisions of the bill involve necessary training for pharmacists, the establishment of a risk assessment tool, and an obligation to inform the patient's primary care provider of any prescriptions issued. Such changes may reduce barriers for individuals seeking contraceptive options, particularly in areas where access to primary care providers is limited.
Summary
Bill S0476 is an act relating to pharmacies, specifically aimed at enhancing the ability of pharmacists to prescribe and dispense short-term, FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives. Introduced by a coalition of senators, the bill amends the existing laws to allow pharmacists to take on a more active role in contraceptive healthcare, which includes pertinent training and implementation of screening tools. The intent of this legislation is to improve access to contraceptives and bolster reproductive health services within the state of Rhode Island.
Contention
While the bill is designed to increase access to contraceptives, it may face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of training for pharmacists in providing reproductive health services. Concerns could arise regarding the balance between ensuring that pharmacists are well-equipped to dispense such medications while maintaining the quality of patient care. The proposal to limit initial prescriptions to a three-month supply has also been a point of contention, though the bill seeks to eliminate that limitation, potentially leading to further discussions about prescription practices and patient autonomy.
Adds a new section which sets forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation/drug therapies, programs approved by the state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies would be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/25.
Adds a new section which sets forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation/drug therapies, programs approved by the state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies would be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/25.
Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2025, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.
Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2025, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.
Health occupations: pharmacists; pharmacists to prescribe and dispense certain contraceptives; allow. Amends secs. 17703, 17704, 17707, 17708, 17709, 17744, 17751 & 17757 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17703 et seq.) & adds sec. 17744g.
Permits pharmacists to furnish self-administered hormonal contraceptives pursuant to a standing order, in accordance with protocols established by Board of Pharmacy and Board of Medical Examiners.