Prescription of Hormonal Contraception by Pharmacists in Oregon

Implementation of House Bill 2879

Abstract

Prescription of hormonal contraception by pharmacists, without a doctor's visit or authorization, has been proposed as a strategy to improve access to contraception and reduce unintended pregnancy. Oregon is the first state to implement legislation expanding the scope of pharmacists to directly prescribe and dispense short-acting hormonal contraception (pill and patch). Several other states are considering similar legislation. Implementation of the policy is being researched to identify both barriers and facilitators to the successful dissemination of the practice and to determine the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of pharmacist-prescribed contraception.

In Brief

A multidisciplinary approach and well-designed implementation research are needed to effectively implement and monitor outcomes of pharmacist-prescribed contraception.