{"id":11416,"date":"2020-05-12T10:02:20","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T14:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=11416"},"modified":"2023-08-04T16:02:52","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T20:02:52","slug":"can-pharmacists-prescribe-birth-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-pharmacists-prescribe-birth-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Can pharmacists prescribe birth control?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The role of the community pharmacist is ever-evolving. Pharmacists can administer vaccines and work under physician protocols to monitor and adjust warfarin medications, insulin dosing scales, and cardiovascular medications. But, can pharmacists prescribe birth control? There are many other important ways pharmacists can take on key roles in healthcare\u2014and women\u2019s health is a big opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many women in the U.S. struggle to access hormonal contraceptives, which historically had to be prescribed through a physician. They may not know where to get birth control, or are unable to afford the cost of a doctor\u2019s visit. Pharmacists, however, are typically very accessible. In recent years, there has been a push to evaluate the pharmacist\u2019s potential role in providing prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pharmacists\u2019 role in women\u2019s health<\/span><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>2003 study<\/span><\/a> found that pharmacists were able to safely screen and appropriately recommend hormonal contraceptive options for patients. Moreover, patients were very satisfied with the ease of access to the pharmacist and the prescription, while maintaining that they would follow up with their medical doctor every three years for other necessary screening.<\/span><\/p>\n

The results of this groundbreaking study led Oregon and California to pass legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives. Today, 11 states and the District of Columbia allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense self-administered hormonal birth control. These states include: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. Many other states are in various stages of evaluating similar legislation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can pharmacists prescribe birth control?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The answer to that varies in each state. Each state passed its own legislation, and it may or may not include certain types of self-administered hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives, transdermal patches, the vaginal ring, and injectable hormonal contraceptives. While all 11 states allow the oral contraceptive pills and transdermal patch to be prescribed, only Oregon, California, and New Mexico specifically allow the injectable hormonal contraceptive to be prescribed by the pharmacist. If you are seeking contraceptives in these states, it is best to speak to the pharmacist to find out what specific options are available there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can I get contraceptives at any pharmacy in these states?<\/span><\/h2>\n

No, not every pharmacist or pharmacy offers these services. Pharmacists who wish to prescribe contraceptives must take part in training required by their state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if a pharmacy has a pharmacist on staff who is certified, that doesn\u2019t mean you can always get a prescription at that pharmacy. Washington, D.C., requires that the hours a certified pharmacist is available be listed. Washington State requires that an emblem or sticker be placed on the outside of the pharmacy to indicate that this pharmacy can prescribe and dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to know if a pharmacy can give you access to contraceptives in these states is to ask the pharmacist on duty. Not all states have had equal participation. In California, it is estimated that only <\/span>11% of pharmacies<\/span><\/a> are offering this service. In contrast, <\/span>a study<\/span><\/a> in Oregon found that 75% of its population lives in the same zip code as a pharmacy offering this service, and pharmacists were responsible for writing more than 10% of the total prescriptions for contraceptives in Oregon.<\/span><\/p>\n

What will a visit with the pharmacist entail? Should I see my doctor instead?<\/span><\/h2>\n

At your pharmacy visit, the pharmacist will have you fill out a self-guided questionnaire, which will gather information on your medical and family history as well as your history of contraceptive use. The pharmacist will also take your blood pressure. Depending on the state, patients with a blood pressure reading above 140\/90 may have to go to a primary care or women\u2019s healthcare provider. That\u2019s also true of patients who are above the age of 35 with a history of smoking or those with a history of certain cancers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some states require proof that you have seen your primary healthcare provider within a certain period of time for other preventative health screenings, such as a Pap smear, regardless of health history. In Colorado, pharmacists are required to ensure you\u2019ve had a well woman visit within three years. In New Mexico, it\u2019s required in the past year.<\/span><\/p>\n

In most states, pharmacists are required to give you a written summary of your visit, and to notify your primary provider of the visit within a reasonable amount of time. In most cases, you will be able to get your prescription immediately upon completion of your visit with the pharmacist.<\/span>
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