Senate Bill 42 aims to expand the role of pharmacists in Wisconsin by allowing them to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to individuals aged 18 and older. The bill mandates the Pharmacy Examining Board, in consultation with relevant health boards, to establish rules that include the use of a self-assessment questionnaire for patients, which must inform them that these contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and recommend annual consultations with a healthcare provider. Additionally, pharmacists must report to the patient's primary healthcare practitioner after prescribing and ensure that the contraceptive is dispensed promptly.

The bill also introduces several regulatory measures, including the requirement for pharmacists to have malpractice liability insurance and to conduct blood pressure screenings before prescribing contraceptives. It establishes penalties for violations of the new regulations, with fines ranging from $250 to $2,500. Furthermore, the bill allows for emergency rule-making procedures to be implemented until permanent rules are established, ensuring a timely rollout of these new provisions. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with emergency rules becoming effective immediately upon publication.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 450.095(title), 450.095, 450.095(3)