Pharmacists: furnishing contraceptives.

Assembly Member Bonta's legislation modifies California's pharmacy regulations to expand access to over-the-counter contraceptives by removing certain procedural requirements for pharmacists. The bill distinguishes between prescription-only and over-the-counter contraceptives, eliminating the need for pharmacists to follow standardized protocols when furnishing over-the-counter options.

Under current law, pharmacists must adhere to specific procedures developed by the California State Board of Pharmacy and Medical Board when providing any hormonal contraceptives. The new provisions maintain these requirements only for prescription-only contraceptives while creating a separate pathway for over-the-counter access. Pharmacists retain their existing authority to furnish up to 12 months of FDA-approved contraceptives at a patient's request.

The legislation preserves patient protections by continuing to require standardized information sheets detailing usage guidelines, medical considerations, and follow-up care needs for prescription contraceptives. It also maintains existing fee limitations, prohibiting separate consultation charges for emergency contraception while allowing administrative fees up to $10 above retail cost. Insurance coverage requirements remain unchanged, with insured patients paying only their standard copayments.

As an urgency measure, these changes would take effect immediately upon enactment to expedite implementation of the new dispensing framework. The bill's provisions operate within established oversight from both the pharmacy and medical boards while adjusting their enforcement scope to align with the separated regulatory pathways for prescription and non-prescription contraceptives.