Pharmacists: furnishing contraceptives.

Assembly Member Bonta's contraceptive access legislation modifies California pharmacy law to differentiate between prescription and over-the-counter contraceptive dispensing requirements. The measure removes existing protocol mandates for pharmacists furnishing over-the-counter contraceptives while maintaining standardized procedures for prescription-only hormonal contraceptives.

Under the revised framework, pharmacists may provide over-the-counter contraceptives without following the screening tools and protocols currently required for prescription contraceptives. The bill preserves existing patient safeguards for prescription hormonal contraceptives, including risk factor screening based on CDC medical eligibility criteria and referral requirements to primary care providers when indicated. For both prescription and over-the-counter contraceptives, pharmacists may furnish up to a 12-month supply at the patient's request.

The legislation includes an urgency clause for immediate implementation upon enactment, citing the need to ensure timely access to over-the-counter birth control. The California State Board of Pharmacy and Medical Board of California maintain joint oversight authority to enforce compliance with the modified dispensing requirements among their respective licensees.