The bill amends Section 5-19.1-36 of the General Laws regarding the prescribing and dispensing of hormonal contraceptives by pharmacists. It allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense all short-term, FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives. The bill removes the limitation on initial prescriptions, which previously restricted them to a three-month supply. Additionally, it requires pharmacists to complete specific educational training and provide a self-screening risk assessment tool to patients. Pharmacists must also notify patients' primary care providers about the prescriptions and provide a list of healthcare providers for follow-up care if the patient does not have a primary care provider or refuses consent for notification. Furthermore, the bill changes the consultation requirements for the state board of pharmacy, allowing it to adopt rules solely in consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Health, rather than including the Rhode Island medical board and the Rhode Island state board of nursing. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
476: 5-19.1-36