Pharmacists could dispense nicotine therapy and oral contraceptives under protocols

A pharmacist may dispense nicotine replacement therapy without a prescription under an authorized protocol. The rule covers people age 18 or older who are trying to stop using tobacco products. The pharmacist must complete an approved nicotine-therapy course. The pharmacist must follow the protocol, screen the person, refer high-risk people or people with medical reasons not to use the therapy, and create a follow-up care plan. The pharmacy must keep screening, dispensing, and follow-up records for at least three years. The pharmacist must notify the person's primary care provider within 72 hours after screening, if the provider is known, or notify the person if the provider is unknown. Dispensing may occur only after the State Board of Pharmacy establishes and authorizes the statewide protocol.

A pharmacist may dispense oral contraceptive therapy without a prescription under an authorized protocol. The rule covers people age 18 or older seeking oral medicines approved to prevent pregnancy. The pharmacist must complete an approved oral-contraceptive therapy course and follow the protocol. The protocol must include rules for screening, treatment, referrals, notices, documentation, and recordkeeping. The provision does not authorize a pharmacist to dispense an abortifacient. Dispensing may occur only after the State Board of Pharmacy establishes and authorizes the statewide protocol.