ALBANY, NY —  Pharmacists in New York State may now provide three types of hormonal contraception medications without requiring a prescription.

Participating pharmacists could be ready to dispense contraceptives over the next several weeks, according to Governor Kathy Hochul. Call your local pharmacy to see if and when the contraceptives will be available.

Hochul, alongside health commissioner Dr. James McDonald, signed a standing order at College Parkside Pharmacy in Albany today to make contraception more accessible to those who have difficulty accessing a primary care provider.

“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,” 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 covers three self-administered hormonal contraceptives approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy: the oral hormonal pill, the hormonal vaginal ring, and the hormonal contraceptive patch. Participating pharmacists can now provide up to a 12-month supply, covered by the person’s insurance.

The New York State Board of Regents, the agency that grants pharmacy licenses, voted on March 12 to approve an emergency amendment that was necessary before the state health commissioner could issue the standing order.

Screening included

Before dispensing these self-administered medications, pharmacists must provide the patient with a self-screening intake form. After deeming the selected medication is appropriate, the pharmacist will provide counseling, including directions for use and the medication’s potential risks, as well as the risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. 

Patients will have to self-screen every 12 months, at a minimum. Pharmacists must notify the patient’s primary health care practitioner within 72 hours of dispensing the medication unless the patient requests otherwise.

Leigh McConchie, president of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York Board enthusiastically supports the measure.

“New York pharmacists are pleased to once again join the state in expanding patients’ access to reproductive health care,” he said. “Self-administered hormonal contraceptives are used by thousands of New Yorkers for a variety of reproductive health needs—including but not limited to the treatment of irregular menstrual cycle—as well as to prevent a pregnancy. A patient’s pharmacy is often more available and convenient than a physician’s office or reproductive health care office, especially when time is of the essence. Today’s emergency standing order further empowers pharmacists to play a vital role in the overall patient healthcare team.

Other family planning measures Hochul has led include purchasing a five-year supply of misoprostol, which is for both abortion and contraception, and strengthening access to abortion care through telehealth services. The 2024 state budget allocates $100.7 million in new funding to support abortion providers and reproductive health care.