Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday joined New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald at College Parkside Pharmacy in Albany to sign a standing order authorizing pharmacists to dispense three types of hormonal contraception medication without a prescription. According to the Governor, this measure makes it easier for people who have difficulty accessing a primary care provider to get safe and effective contraception at their local pharmacy.
“At a time when reproductive rights are under attack, New York State will continue to fight for every individual’s right to access the health care they need,” Governor Hochul said. “Starting a family is a deeply personal decision and New York State will always be a place where people can access safe and effective contraceptives.”
The standing order signed by the State Health Commissioner pertains to three types of self-administered hormonal contraceptives that are approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy, which include the following:
- Oral hormonal pill
- Hormonal vaginal ring
- Hormonal contraceptive patch
The New York State Board of Regents, the agency that grants pharmacy licenses, voted on March 12th, to approve an emergency amendment that was necessary before the State Health Commissioner could issue the standing order.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “New York State continues to expand access to contraception options and break down longstanding barriers to reproductive care that persist across the nation. This is about access to care and individual autonomy. By issuing a standing order to allow pharmacists to provide hormonal contraception medications, more people can choose the right reproductive care for themselves and the right time for them to have a child. New York State will continue to fight for reproductive rights and advance health equity through meaningful measures that broaden access to care for all. In partnership with the State Education Department, we will work with our licensed pharmacist professionals over the next several weeks so they’re ready to provide these important contraception medications.”
Participating pharmacists could be ready and able to dispense hormonal contraceptives over the next several weeks. Individuals should reach out to their local pharmacy for more information about if and when the services will be available.
As part of this process, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Education has developed a set of competencies required for pharmacists who choose to participate to self-attest. Pharmacists will need to maintain their documentation of training and make it available to the state Department of Education upon request.
