summary
Introduced
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
In Committee
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
Crossed Over
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 40-43-210, Relating To The Definition Of A "self-administered Hormonal Contraceptive" In The Pharmacy Practice Act, So As To Revise The Definition; By Amending Section 40-43-230, Relating To Pharmacists Permitted To Dispense Self-administered Hormonal Contraceptives In Certain Circumstances, So As To Provide Such Dispensations May Be Made Pursuant To Certain Written Joint Protocols; And By Amending Section 40-43-240, Relating To Written Joint Protocols By The Board Of Medical Examiners And The Board Of Pharmacy To Authorize Pharmacists To Dispense Self-administered Hormonal Contraceptives Without Patient-specific Written Orders, So As To Instead Provide The Dispensations May Be Made Under Standing Orders Or Without Standing Orders When Dispensed Or Administered Pursuant To Certain Written Joint Protocols.
AI Summary
This bill updates South Carolina law to expand access to self-administered hormonal contraceptives, which are FDA-approved drugs like pills, vaginal rings, and patches used to prevent pregnancy, but do not include IUDs or abortion-inducing drugs. It revises the definition of these contraceptives and allows pharmacists to dispense them under certain conditions, including pursuant to written joint protocols developed by the Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy. Previously, pharmacists could dispense these contraceptives under standing orders or patient-specific written orders; this bill now permits dispensations under standing orders or even without standing orders, as long as it's in accordance with these joint protocols, aiming to streamline access for patients aged 18 and older, or younger individuals with evidence of a prior prescription and emancipation.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Read third time and returned to Senate with amendments (on 02/18/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0477&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/477_20260217.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/477_20260129.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/477_20250430.htm |
| Fiscal Note - S0477 2025-03-20 introduced | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/fiscalimpactstatements/S0477%202025-03-20%20introduced.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/477_20250320.htm |
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