Relates to the dispensing of contraceptive drugs and devices that are self-administered

2 Co-sponsors

• Gustavo Rivera
• Toby Ann Stavisky

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the dispensing of contraceptive drugs and devices that are self-administered

Purpose

To reduce the number of unintended pregnancies by increasing access contraceptive drugs for women in New York State.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one provides that a non-patient specific regimen prescribed and ordered under this chapter shall be deemed to be a prescription for all purposes of the insurance law.

Section two provides that a licensed physician may prescribe and order a non-patient specific regimen to a licensed pharmacist, for dispensing contraceptive drugs and devices that are self-administered and approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Section three provides that a licensed pharmacist may dispense a non-patient specific regimen of contraceptive drugs and devices that are self-administered and approved by the FDA, prescribed or ordered by a licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife. It further provides that the dispensing of contraceptive drugs shall be in accordance with written procedures and protocols developed by a pharmacist and a licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner, licensed midwife, or a hospital that provides gynecological or family planning services. When drugs are dispensed, the pharmacist shall provide the patient with a fact sheet, to be developed by the Commissioner in consultation with the Department of Health and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Prior to dispensing drugs under this section, a pharmacist shall complete training.

Section four provides that acceptable formal continuing education shall include training in contraceptive drugs and devices that are self-administered.

Section five provides that a certified nurse practitioner may prescribe and order a non-patient specific regimen to a registered professional nurse for dispensing contraceptive drugs and devices that are self-administered.

Section six provides that a registered professional nurse may execute a non-patient specific regimen ordered by a licensed midwife.

Sections seven and eight provide that a certified nurse practitioner and licensed midwife, respectively, may prescribe and order a non-patient specific regimen to a licensed pharmacist for dispensing contraceptive drugs and devices that are self-administered and approved by the FDA.

Section nine provides the effective date.

Justification

Women in New York State currently face barriers to accessing contraceptive drugs, as current law requires a patient-specific prescription from a health care provider. This bill would allow New York State pharmacists and registered nurses to dispense contraceptive drugs from a non-patient specific order, written by a licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner, or licensed midwife, bypassing the frequent difficulties encountered in obtaining medical appointments at offices with limited hours, long waits or inconvenient locations.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect 180 days after it becomes law provided the commissioner of education is authorized to promulgate any and all rules, regulations and measures necessary for implementation on or before such date.