FAQs Pharmacist Dispensed Self-Administered Hormonal Contraception
What are self-administered hormonal contraceptives?
Self-administered hormonal contraceptives are medications or devices, taken by an individual, that have been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy. They work by using hormones to regulate or prevent ovulation. They include oral hormonal contraceptives, hormonal contraceptive vaginal rings, and hormonal contraceptive patches. When used correctly, they are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Does this standing order override a valid prescription?
No. The standing order does not override a valid individual-specific prescription for a hormonal contraceptive that is issued by an authorized prescriber and dispensed by a pharmacist pursuant to that valid prescription unless the individual wishes to change the birth control method.
What are the training requirements for pharmacists? Is there a specific training course required?
Pharmacists who wish to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives must complete a training course that covers the competencies outlined in section 63.6 (16) of the Commissioner of Education's Regulations. For more information on the training requirements, please contact the New York State Board of Pharmacy directly at pharmbd@nysed.gov.
Who are the authorized dispensers for the Non-Patient Specific Prescription for Self-Administered Hormonal Contraceptives Standing Order signed by Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald?
Pharmacists who have satisfied the requirements of section 63.16 of the Commissioner of Education's Regulations and are working in a pharmacy located in New York can dispense self-administered hormonal contraception in compliance with State law and regulations.
Do pharmacists need to submit documentation of their satisfied training requirements to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) or the Department of Health (DOH)?
No. Pharmacists do not need to submit documentation to the state when they have completed the required training. However, pharmacists are required to maintain documentation of their training and make such documentation available upon request. For details on training requirements, please reach out to the NYSED directly at pharmbd@nysed.gov.
Are Physicians Assistants (PA) or Midwives able to write a non-patient specific order for pharmacist-dispensed hormonal contraception?
No. Non-patient specific orders for the dispensing of hormonal contraceptives in New York State can be issued by the New York State Commissioner of Health, a New York State licensed physician, or a New York State certified nurse practitioner.
Are pharmacists being reimbursed, and if so, how? Does New York State Medicaid program, NYRx, reimburse pharmacists/pharmacies for dispensing self-administered hormonal contraception pursuant to the standing order?
It is likely, as in other states where similar regulations are promulgated, pharmacies will be charging for completion of this counseling service. It will be up to individual insurance and health plans to determine their reimbursement.
The New York State Medicaid program, NYRx, has provided coverage and billing guidance regarding Pharmacist dispensed self-administered hormonal contraception via a Standing Order and is posted here: https://www.emedny.org/ProviderManuals/Pharmacy/communications.aspx
What quantity can be dispensed to the patient pursuant to the standing order?
Pharmacists may dispense up to 12-months of a self-administered hormonal contraceptive, pursuant to patient preference and insurance limitations.
How often does a person need to complete a self-screening questionnaire?
A self-screening questionnaire needs to be completed by the patient prior to being dispensed self-administered hormonal contraception and at a minimum of every 12 months for each returning individual.
Do all pharmacists provide this service? Is there a deadline for pharmacists to participate in providing this service?
This service provided by Pharmacists is optional. While a pharmacy may decide to participate, not all their pharmacists are mandated to participate.
There is no deadline for participating pharmacists to begin dispensing hormonal contraception.
Is self-administered hormonal contraceptives limited to females?
Anyone who may become pregnant, who requests hormonal contraception under this standing order, and who is deemed medically appropriate may be provided with self-administered hormonal contraceptives.
The requestor of the self-administered hormonal contraceptives should be the individual taking the hormonal contraceptives. The requestor should also do so voluntarily and without coercion.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit specified in the standing order. If the pharmacist feels the person has the capability to understand the questions being asked, the ability to answer them, and can understand the instructions of how to take the medications and their side effects, the pharmacist can dispense the hormonal contraceptive to the person.
Are there any special considerations for minors?
Maintaining confidentially for all patients is the responsibility of the pharmacist. Minors may require additional reassurances and assistance in maintaining confidentiality. For example, pharmacists should inform minors that parents/guardians may be able to see prescriptions paid for by insurance through an EOB (explanation of benefits) from the insurance company. If the minor needs financial assistance in paying for birth control, the pharmacist may provide the minor with information on how to seek free or low-cost services at their local family planning clinic or federally qualified health center (FQHC).
Minors may also require assistance filling out the questionnaire and may need additional counseling on choices and on how to use the method they choose. Pharmacists should feel comfortable having these conversations with minors.
What else should pharmacists know or continue to learn about?
Health equity and how this relates to reproductive justice is important to understand when providing healthcare services. DOH recommends pharmacists, and all healthcare professionals, seek out education and training in these subjects. Information on Health Equity from the Department of Health can be found here.
