Bill > AB50

This bill amends California pharmacy laws to expand pharmacists' ability to provide contraceptives by allowing them to furnish over-the-counter contraceptives without following the strict standardized procedures previously required for prescription-only hormonal contraceptives. Specifically, pharmacists can now provide over-the-counter contraceptives without using a detailed self-screening tool or risk assessment protocol, and they can dispense up to a 12-month supply at a patient's request. The bill maintains existing requirements for prescription-only hormonal contraceptives, which still require pharmacists to follow specific standardized procedures developed by the California State Board of Pharmacy and the Medical Board of California. These procedures include using a self-screening tool to identify patient risk factors and referring patients to primary care providers when necessary. The bill is classified as an urgency statute, meaning it will take effect immediately, with the stated goal of ensuring equitable access to birth control for all Californians. The changes aim to make contraceptive access more convenient and streamlined by reducing administrative barriers for over-the-counter options while maintaining patient safety protocols for prescription medications.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB50