Bill > SB5917

This bill amends existing law to improve access to abortion medications, which are defined as substances used to terminate a pregnancy or manage early pregnancy loss, including medications like mifepristone and misoprostol. The Department of Health is authorized to acquire, possess, sell, and distribute these medications, and can engage in activities related to the practice of pharmacy or wholesale distribution. This authority can be used for anyone, not just those under the department's supervision, and must comply with applicable laws, though the department is exempt from obtaining a wholesaler's license for actions taken under a specific chapter of law. The department is required to establish a program for delivering, dispensing, and distributing these medications, and when providing them to healthcare providers or entities, they must ensure the medications are used solely for reproductive healthcare, including abortion care or managing early pregnancy loss. The department will coordinate with the Department of Health to identify appropriate recipients, prioritizing bulk distribution to healthcare providers and entities, including Indian healthcare providers, and is not required to obtain payment for these services. The bill also defines "health care entity" to include Indian health care providers and urban Indian health organizations, and clarifies that "abortion medications" can also be used to manage the full spectrum of reproductive health care. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it takes effect immediately upon passage.