Policies
Pharmacist Prescribing of Hormonal Contraception
Our interactive map depicts states with pharmacist prescribing of hormonal contraception via statewide protocol, standing order, or collaborative practice agreement. Hover over any state to view policy details. Updated September 24, 2024.
Summary of State Policies
| State | Available | Authority By | Methods | Age Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 2023 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring | 18 and older |
| Arkansas | 2022 | Statewide Protocol | Pill | 18 and older |
| California | 2016 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | All ages |
| Colorado | 2017 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | 18 and older |
| Hawaii | 2018 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring | All ages |
| Idaho | 2019 | Prescriptive Authority | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | All ages |
| Illinois | 2023 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | All ages |
| Indiana | 2023 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | 18 and older |
| Maryland | 2019 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | All ages |
| Massachusetts | 2023 | Prescriptive Authority | Pill, Patch | All ages |
| Minnesota | 2020 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring | 18 and older (<18 with prior prescription) |
| Nevada | 2021 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | All ages |
| New Hampshire | 2022 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | All ages |
| New Jersey | 2024 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | All ages |
| New Mexico | 2018 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, Nonhormonal | All ages |
| New York | 2024 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring | All ages |
| North Carolina | 2022 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch | 18 and older (<18 with parent/legal guardian consent) |
| Oregon | 2016 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | All ages |
| South Carolina | 2022 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | 18 and older (<18 with prior prescription) |
| Tennessee | 2019 | Contraception CPA | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | 18 and older (<18 if emancipated minor) |
| Utah | 2019 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring | 18 and older |
| Vermont | 2021 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring | All ages |
| Virginia | 2021 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot | 18 and older |
| West Virginia | 2020 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring | 18 and older |
Others Offering via General Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA): Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin
Others with Statewide Protocols or Standing Orders in Progress: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Rhode Island, Washington D.C.
This table reflects states that have implemented their policies for pharmacist prescribing of hormonal contraception, as well as those that have passed legislation and implementation is in progress. Updated September 24, 2024.
Is birth control available over the Counter?
We'd like to clear up the differences between over-the-counter (OTC) access and pharmacist prescribing (also known as "pharmacy access").
| Pharmacist Prescribing | Over the Counter (OTC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Approval | State law or regulation | FDA |
| Methods | Pill, patch, ring, shot, emergency contraception | Condoms, spermicides, emergency contraception, Opill® |
| Availability | Participating pharmacies in selected states | Pharmacies, other stores, online |
| Prescription | Prescribed by a pharmacist after reviewing your health history and measuring your blood pressure | No prescription required |
| Doctor Visit | No visit or physical exam required | No visit or physical exam required |
| Age Restriction | Depends on state | None |
| Birth Control Costs | Covered by insurance | Depends on state and insurance; may require a prescription for coverage |
| Visit Costs | Depends on state and insurance; may cost up to $50 without coverage | None |
| Time | 5 - 20 minutes for visit | Less than 5 minutes for purchase |
Policy Landscape Report
Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception
