Assembly Bill 43 allows pharmacists in Wisconsin 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 to establish rules for this process, which must include a self-assessment questionnaire for patients, developed in line with guidelines from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This questionnaire will inform patients 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 includes provisions for malpractice liability insurance for pharmacists who prescribe these contraceptives and requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to ensure that contraceptives prescribed by pharmacists are covered under the Medical Assistance program. The bill amends existing statutes to reflect these changes, including the title of section 450.095, which is changed from "Duty to dispense" to "Prescribing and dispensing of contraceptives." Furthermore, it allows for emergency rule procedures to be extended and exempts certain requirements for these rules, facilitating a quicker implementation of the new regulations. Violations of the new provisions may result in penalties ranging from $250 to $2,500.

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