FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How might pharmacist prescribing work?

    1. A person comes to the pharmacy and completes a birth control self-screening medical questionnaire.
    2. The form is reviewed by a pharmacist and the person's blood pressure is checked.
    3. The pharmacist follows a standard protocol, developed with the Board of Pharmacy, to provide counseling and information on birth control options.
    4. If anyone is deemed not eligible during this process, they will be referred to a clinician or health facility.

  • Is access to birth control without seeing a doctor safe?

    Yes! There has been substantial research in the US and other countries to show that this type of access to birth control is safe. In fact, 24 states plus Washington, DC currently allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control. 

  • Is pharmacist prescribing the same as over-the-counter (OTC) birth control?

    No. Pharmacist prescribing requires an interaction between a trained pharmacist and a patient.

  • How do pharmacists learn how to do this?

    Pharmacists learn about birth control and medication management during school. For pharmacists interested in prescribing birth control, an additionsl 2-3 hour nationally standardized training is required.

  • Will all pharmacists be required to provide this service?

    No. Pharmacists will not be required to provide this service and can opt out. Only those that have completed additional training should prescribe birth control.

  • What birth control will be available?

    Eligible people 18 years and older will be able to get birth control pills and patches. In addition, most pharmacies carry other types of birth control such as condom and emergency contraception.

  • Will the birth control be covered by insurance?

    Yes. If the person has insurance, the pharmacist will be able to bill the insurance just like a physician.

  • What if a person isn't eligible for pharmacist prescribing of birth control?

    Any person who is found to be ineligible for this type of access will be referred to a clinician for additional evaluation and treatment.

  • What is the potential public health impact?

    Increasing access to birth control has been shown to prevent unintended pregnancies and save millions of dollars in taxpayer money. Increased access can also decrease infant and maternal mortality and decrease costs from unintended pregnancy.

  • What about primary care providers (PCP) and continuity of care?

    The pharmacist will notify the person's PCP (if they have one) and counsel them to see a provider at least annually for recommended screening and exams. This increases immediate accessibility of birth control for low-risk people at the pharmacy, freeing up time for clinicians to see patients that require a higher level of care. In other states, 90% of people who get birth control from a pharmacist see another provider within one year.

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