Bill > S08593

This bill amends the New York Education Law to allow licensed pharmacists to prescribe and order medications approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for inducing abortion or managing miscarriages. Before dispensing such medication, pharmacists must complete two key steps: first, administer a risk assessment questionnaire developed by the health commissioner to identify potential medical risks, and second, provide a comprehensive fact sheet detailing clinical considerations, medication usage instructions, follow-up healthcare recommendations, and referral information. The bill also mandates that pharmacists receive specific training approved by the commissioner before being authorized to prescribe these medications. Importantly, the legislation includes a provision protecting pharmacists' professional discretion, allowing them to refuse to dispense medication if they determine potential health risks or therapeutic complications could endanger the patient. The bill represents an expansion of pharmacists' scope of practice in reproductive healthcare, potentially increasing access to abortion medications by allowing patients to obtain them directly from trained pharmacists rather than solely through traditional medical providers.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8593