ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO DISPENSE CONTRACEPTIVES.

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View NCGA Bill Details2021
House Bill 817 (Public) Filed Tuesday, May 4, 2021
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE LICENSED PHARMACISTS TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND TO AMEND THE HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS' COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO CONTRACEPTIVES.
Intro. by von Haefen, Butler, Fisher.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House action) (May 5 2021)
H 817

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: May 4 2021 - View Summary

    Enacts new GS 90-85.15C to allow a licensed pharmacist to dispense a self-administered hormonal contraceptive (as defined in the act) to an individual, without a prescription, if the self-administered hormonal contraceptive is administered in compliance with a statewide standing order issued by the State Health Director. Requires the pharmacist to give a risk assessment questionnaire to a patient who requests the questionnaire prior to dispensing the self-administered hormonal contraceptive; requires the pharmacist to review the completed questionnaire and determine whether the patient's answers indicate that it is unsafe to dispense the contraceptive. Upon determining that it is unsafe to dispense the medication, requires the pharmacist not dispense the contraceptive and that the pharmacist refer the patient to the patient's primary care provider or another qualified health care provider. Requires a pharmacist who does dispense a self-administered hormonal contraceptive under this statute to record specified information and provide a copy to the patient; inform the patient as to the proper administration and storage of the contraceptive, potential side effects of the self-administered hormonal contraceptive, and the need to use other methods of contraception, if appropriate; and comply with the statewide standing order and any instructions for dispensing the contraceptive recommended by the manufacturer. Upon request, requires the pharmacist to give the patient: (1) a written record of the request, regardless of whether the self-administered hormonal contraceptive was dispensed; (2) a copy of the risk assessment questionnaire, if completed; and (3) a written record detailing the type of self-administered hormonal contraceptive. Effective October 1, 2021.

    Amends GS 58-3-178 to require every insurer providing a health benefit plan to provide coverage for prescription and nonprescription contraceptive drugs, devices, and products. Requires coverage to include any self-administered hormonal contraceptive dispensed in accordance with new GS 90-85.15C. Prohibits requiring a prescription to cover over-the-counter contraceptive drugs, devices, and products approved by the FDA. Prohibits requiring an insurer from providing coverage for any condom products. Prohibits imposing prior authorization or other restrictions or delays upon coverage under this statute. Prohibits imposing any deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or other cost-sharing requirement on coverage for prescription contraception drugs or devices. Allows imposing cost-sharing, for a high-deductible health plan associated with a health savings account, with the level set at the lowest amount required to preserve the insured's ability to claim tax-exempt contributions and withdrawals from the insured's health savings account. Effective October 1, 2021, and applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after that date.

    Requires the State Health Director to issue a statewide standing order authorizing licensed pharmacists in this state to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives, consistent with the provisions of new GS 90-85.15C. Requires consultation with the named entities in developing protocols to dispense a self-administered hormonal contraceptive, including a risk assessment questionnaire; requirements of the contents of a written record of the request; and the length of time a written record must be maintained by the pharmacist. Requires the statewide standing order to detail information the dispensing pharmacist must give to the patient, including the specified items. 

    Requires the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy to post information on its website detailing pharmacies in this state that have licensed pharmacists that dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives.