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)

Further, under the bill, the rules must include certain requirements for pharmacists prescribing contraceptives, such as 1) requiring a report to the patient's primary health care practitioner following a prescription; and 2) requiring the contraceptive to be dispensed as soon as practicable after the pharmacist issues the prescription order. In addition, the rules must prohibit a pharmacist from prescribing or dispensing a contraceptive to a patient unless 1) the patient has responded to the self-assessment questionnaire and undergone a blood pressure screening; and 2) the use of the contraceptive is not contraindicated based upon the results of the questionnaire and screening. A pharmacist who prescribes contraceptives as permitted under the bill must comply with those rules, as well as any other rules promulgated by the Pharmacy Examining Board. Finally, under the bill, a pharmacist may prescribe a contraceptive only to a person who is at least 18 years of age.

The bill further requires that DHS must ensure any contraceptives or contraceptive services covered under the Medical Assistance program are covered and reimbursed when prescribed, if a prescription is required under federal law, or provided by a pharmacist acting under the scope of his or her practice. The Medical Assistance program is a joint federal and state program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. The bill also requires DHS to certify pharmacists as providers of Medical Assistance services for the purposes of covering and reimbursing prescribed hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives.