The bill amends Chapter 5-19.1 of the General Laws entitled "Pharmacies" by adding a new section that allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense short-term, FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives. The state board of pharmacy, in consultation with other relevant Rhode Island health boards and departments, is tasked with adopting rules for this practice. Pharmacists are required to complete educational training, provide a self-screening risk assessment tool, give a written record of the prescription, advise the patient to consult with a healthcare practitioner, and notify the patient's primary care provider or provide a list of alternative providers if the patient does not have one or refuses consent. The contraceptives must be dispensed as soon as practicable after the prescription is issued, and the initial prescription is limited to a three-month supply. Insurance coverage is required to be consistent with state and federal laws, and the Rhode Island state pharmacy board is directed to track and report on the accessibility and use of this service.

The bill also includes provisions for the display of signs in pharmacies and on websites indicating the availability of contraceptives. The deleted section of the bill stated that the act would take effect on January 1, 2024, but this has been replaced with a new section stating that Section 1 of the act will take effect on January 1, 2024, and Section 2, which pertains to the Rhode Island Medicaid Reform Act of 2008 and related administrative actions, will take effect upon passage. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to pursue and implement any necessary amendments to the Medicaid state plan or waiver under the terms and conditions of the demonstration, as well as any new or amended rules, regulations, and procedures required to allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.