NY Issues Standing Order for Pharmacists to Provide Hormonal Contraception

New York has joined about 29 other states (including Washington, DC) in allowing pharmacists to provide hormonal birth control without a prescription. In mid-March 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a standing order allowing pharmacists to dispense 3 types of hormonal contraception—oral hormonal pill, hormonal vaginal ring, and the contraceptive patch—without a prescription. Participating pharmacists will be allowed to dispense up to a year’s worth of self-administered contraception to patients.

The process will take place as follows: Patients requesting contraception from a pharmacist will need to complete a self-screening intake form, which asks about medical history, current medications, and other medical screening questions. The pharmacist will then review the form to decide whether the patient’s choice of contraception is appropriate. If so, the pharmacist will provide counseling on using the product and information about potential risks and sexually transmitted diseases. Patients will be required to self-screen at least once a year, and pharmacists will be required to notify a patient’s primary care practitioner within 72 hours of dispensing the medication unless the patient requests otherwise.

The Governor’s action is partly motivated by the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade. Governor Hochul is protecting abortion access in the state by making a $35 million investment to support abortion providers, purchasing a 5-year supply of misoprostol, and strengthening access to abortion care. “At a time when reproductive rights are under attack, New York State will continue to fight for every individual’s right to access the health care they need,” said the Governor in a statement.

“New York pharmacists are pleased to once again join the state in expanding patients’ access to reproductive health care,” said Leigh McConchie, president of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York. “Self-administered hormonal contraceptives are used by thousands of New Yorkers for a variety of reproductive health needs—including but not limited to the treatment of irregular menstrual cycle—as well as to prevent a pregnancy. A patient’s pharmacy is often more available and convenient than a physician’s office or reproductive health care office, especially when time is of the essence.”

References

Governor Hochul announces New York pharmacists can now provide hormonal contraception without a prescription. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. March 19, 2024. Accessed April 25, 2024. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-new-york-pharmacists-can-now-provide-hormonal-contraception-without

New York State Department of Health. CONTRACEPTION: Self-Screening patient intake form. Accessed April 25, 2024. https://health.ny.gov/community/reproductive_health/docs/self_screening_questionnaire.pdf