The bill amends Section 5-19.1-36 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-19.1, titled "Pharmacies," to allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense all short-term, FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives. It establishes requirements for pharmacists, including completing educational training on prescribing hormonal contraceptives, providing a self-screening risk assessment tool for patients, and notifying patients' primary care providers about the prescriptions. Additionally, the bill mandates that all state and federal laws regarding insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and services apply to those prescribed by pharmacists.

The bill removes the limitation on initial prescriptions, which previously restricted them to a three-month supply, and changes the consultation requirements for the state board of pharmacy, allowing it to adopt rules only in consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Health, rather than also with the Rhode Island medical board and the Rhode Island state board of nursing. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6038: 5-19.1-36