Substitute Senate Bill No. 171 with File No. 290 introduces provisions that would allow pharmacists to prescribe emergency contraceptives and hormonal contraceptives to individuals who are at least 16 years old. Pharmacists must fulfill certain criteria, such as completing an accredited educational training program and adhering to the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. The bill also permits pharmacy technicians to assist in this process, contingent upon their completion of a similar training program. Pharmacists are required to counsel patients, notify the patient's primary care provider if known, and provide documentation on age-appropriate health screenings. Pharmacies must keep patient screening documents for a minimum of three years and make them available to the Department of Consumer Protection upon request. The bill grants the Commissioner of Consumer Protection the power to enact regulations to facilitate the implementation of these provisions, and it is effective immediately upon passage without any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

The bill defines the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in prescribing emergency and hormonal contraception, including the ability to require more frequent screenings and to issue prescriptions for up to 12 months. Pharmacists are tasked with providing necessary counseling and documentation to patients, and pharmacy technicians can assist in the process by documenting medical history and blood pressure, provided they have completed the requisite training. The bill clarifies the definitions of emergency contraception and hormonal contraception as drugs approved by the FDA for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.