Reproductive Health

Pharmacist Dispensed Contraception

Governor Hochul signed legislation in May of 2023 to expand access to hormonal contraception – the pill, patch, and ring – by making them available after consulting with a pharmacist. This allows people who may not have a primary care provider, but do have access to a local pharmacy, access to safe and effective contraception.

With the State Education Department adopting an amendment to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and the Department of Health providing a standing order in the coming days, we are one step closer to people being able to access hormonal contraception at the pharmacy.

Resources for Pharmacists

The New York State Education Department and New York State Department of Health have jointly developed resources to support pharmacists. This website will be updated as more resources become available, including translations of materials.

Pursuant to the new law and regulations, the New York State Education Department and New York State Department of Health have jointly developed the following steps and resources to support pharmacists.

When a patient comes to a pharmacy and asks for the pill, patch, or ring to prevent a pregnancy, the pharmacist shall have them fill out a self-screening risk assessment questionnaire to determine if it is safe for the patient to have one of the approved forms of self-administered hormonal contraception.

After the questionnaire is completed, the pharmacist shall compare the response to the clinical workflow to ensure there are no safety issues with the birth control options. If eligible, a pharmacy referral and patient handout shall be filled out by the pharmacist and given to the person along with a supply (up to 12 months depending upon insurance requirements) of a safe and effective form of birth control and a fact sheet.

Based on the pharmacist’s clinical judgement, if there are concerns relating to responses on the questionnaire and a self-administered hormonal contraceptive method cannot be dispensed at the time of the patient’s visit, this should be noted on the pharmacy referral and patient handout, which shall include information about how to access a Family Planning Center or access a provider in their insurance network.

Finally, unless the patient opts out, a provider notification form must be sent to the patient’s primary health care practitioner with the dispensed drug information.

The Commissioner of Health issued a statewide standing order (PDF) on March 19, 2024 that can be utilized by pharmacists and pharmacies.

Fact Sheets

These informational documents were adapted under a Creative Commons license granted by the Reproductive Health Access Project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

Contraceptive Methods and Counseling

Choose from a range of additional birth control methods, including long-acting, reversible IUDs, implants, pills, patches, emergency contraception, and FREE condoms. Compare your options (rhntc.org) (PDF).

Family Planning

Family Planning Programs aim to support people and educate them in choosing the timing and spacing of their pregnancies. At all of New York State's family planning clinic sites, everyone is welcome, no matter their financial situation or insurance status. Discounted fees based on income are available at all New York State Title X-funding family planning clinics. Family planning services include birth control, emergency contraception, free condoms, sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment, and basic infertility services.

Emergency Contraception

Information on how to help stop pregnancy if any forms of birth control did not work or were not used.

Abortion Services

Abortion care is available to all New Yorkers and for those coming from outside of New York State (NYS), up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, you can still get an abortion if your health or pregnancy is at risk. It is a safe, legal, and common way to end a pregnancy and everyone has access to services regardless of age, gender identify, immigration and insurance status. You can speak to a provider about your care options for a medication abortion or in-clinic abortion, and your privacy will be protected every step of the way.

Infertility

New York State Infertility Reimbursement Program offers grant assistance to higher volume providers of infertility services in New York State. Approved providers have met specific eligibility criteria for the program and performance standards for select infertility services. Insured patients who meet eligibility criteria, and whose insurance does not cover, or only partially covers, these costs can apply for the program through an approved provider.