Bill > S1372

This bill aims to improve access to emergency contraception in Massachusetts. It does this by: 1) Expanding the definition of "emergency contraception" to include over-the-counter as well as prescription forms. 2) Requiring the state health department to issue a statewide standing order that allows licensed pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception without an individual prescription, as long as they follow standardized procedures. This provides pharmacists legal protection for dispensing emergency contraception in good faith. 3) Requiring pharmacists who dispense emergency contraception to annually report the number of doses dispensed, so the state can publish aggregate data on emergency contraception use. 4) Clarifying that the existing law prohibiting the sale of contraceptives through vending machines does not apply to the over-the-counter forms of emergency contraception covered by this bill. Overall, the bill seeks to make emergency contraception more readily available and accessible to the public in Massachusetts.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1372