In Michigan, you can now get a prescription for birth control from your pharmacist ⋆ Michigan Advance

Michigan pharmacists are now allowed to prescribe hormonal contraceptives in partnership with physicians.

Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement Monday following action by Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) stemming from an executive directive Whitmer Published in May.

This directive directed state departments and agencies to identify and evaluate opportunities to increase reproductive health care protection in anticipation of Roe vs. Wade overturned by the United States Supreme Court.

“Today’s action clarifies that Michigan pharmacists with delegated authority can prescribe self-administered hormonal contraceptives – oral contraceptives, patch and ring – expanding access to birth control for women in Michigan and ensuring they can plan for their own future on their own terms,” ​​Whitmer said. “As reproductive freedom is under attack across the country, we are using every tool in our toolbox here in Michigan to protect women. Access to birth control is critical to a woman’s ability to plan her family and chart her own destiny. We are taking steps to ensure that women in Michigan have the right to easily make decisions about reproductive health that suits them best.

Under a new interpretative statement issued by the LARA, licensed physicians can delegate to pharmacists the ability to prescribe self-administered hormonal contraceptives in most circumstances.

“Pharmacists are well qualified to prescribe oral contraceptives, the patch and the ring because their education and training includes a detailed understanding of the contents, impacts and effects of medications on the human body,” a statement from hurry. Release from Whitmer’s office.

The statement adds that it would now be easier for women to access birth control by clarifying the eligibility of pharmacists and providing a model agreement to facilitate delegation.

“The action allows pharmacists to join this program and does not require pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception if they do not wish to,” the statement continued.

“This expansion allows for broader access to certain forms of birth control,” said Michigan State Chief Medical Officer Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian. “Nearly 30% of U.S. women of childbearing age reported difficulty obtaining or renewing birth control prescriptions. Expanded access to hormonal contraceptives provides women with the ability to manage their reproductive health outside of appointments. you regular medical.

LARA also encourages physicians and pharmacists to review their individual circumstances and practices as well as consult with their respective attorneys to ensure that adequate procedures and medication protocols are provided and that the scope of delegation is appropriate.

In addition, LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing staff will review prescribing and dispensing practices during their routine pharmacy inspections and investigate any violations of Michigan’s Public Health Code.

According to National Alliance of State Pharmacy AssociationsMichigan joins 20 other states and the District of Columbia that have statutes or rules allowing pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.