Wisconsin Senate Bill SB211

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/23
• Refer: 4/3/23
• Report Pass: 10/6/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Permitting pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, SB211 would introduce modifications to existing regulations governing the roles of pharmacists in reproductive healthcare. Specifically, pharmacists would be required to follow standardized procedures, developed in consultation with medical professionals, to ensure safe and effective prescribing practices. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health Services (DHS) must ensure that contraceptives prescribed under this new framework are reimbursed through the Medical Assistance program, thereby enhancing the equity of access for individuals who might otherwise face financial barriers to contraceptive care.

Summary

Senate Bill 211, introduced in Wisconsin, seeks to permit pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives. This legislative change aims to improve access to contraceptive methods for individuals by allowing trained pharmacists to perform these functions, thus potentially reducing the barriers associated with obtaining contraceptives through traditional medical routes. The bill establishes provisions that necessitate a self-assessment questionnaire alongside a blood pressure screening before a pharmacist can prescribe these contraceptives to individuals aged 18 and over.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SB211 are likely to raise various points of contention regarding the appropriateness of enabling pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives. Concerns may be linked to the adequacy of the training pharmacists receive and whether they can adequately screen patients to ensure the safe use of hormonal contraceptives. Critics may argue that the decision to start a hormonal contraceptive regimen should primarily be left to physicians, potentially leading to a debate about the scope of practice for pharmacists in the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.