Committee clears bill letting pharmacists prescribe contraception and dispense up to 12 months

Representative Camp presented House Bill 1138 to enable pharmacists to prescribe contraception under a protocol the pharmacy board and the Department of Public Health would develop. "It certainly does not mandate pharmacists prescribing contraception if they don't wish to do so, but it does enable them to do so if they so choose," Camp told the committee, saying 82 counties in the state lack an OB‑GYN and pharmacists are often the most accessible clinician.

Senator Sattler raised concerns about drug interactions with oral contraceptives and whether pharmacists would have sufficient patient medication histories to counsel on contraindications. "Antibiotics is just more of a well known one, but there were other drugs that are contraindicated," Sattler said, asking how the bill would address continuity of care when patients see multiple providers or pharmacies. Camp responded that pharmacists can review dispensing records at the pharmacy and that the proposed protocol and training would address counseling and contraindication checks.

Supporters noted the bill allows eligible patients to receive up to 12 months of contraception at once, a change proponents say improves access for college students and gig workers. Senator Kirkpatrick said the OB‑GYN community has spoken in favor of the bill. The committee voted to pass the substitute as presented.

The author and other members agreed the boards should develop clear counseling language rather than rigid, scripted materials. The measure now advances for further consideration.