Policies
Pharmacist Prescribing of Contraception
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■Available  ■In Progress  ■Not Available
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 February 6, 2026.
*Available via separate statewide protocol or standing order; LNG = levonorgestrel oral emergency contraceptive; UPA = ulipristal acetate oral emergency contraceptive; NH = non-hormonal contraceptive methods
Policy Recommendations
Our paper "Recommendations for policies enabling pharmacist–prescribed contraceptive services" provides concrete policy recommendations to remove obstacles and enable pharmacists to prescribe contraception. It gives advocates and practitioners clear guidance for implementing these changes and improving patient care.
Rafie S, Newlon JL, Campi JA, Vernon V, Weaver K, Murphy EM. Recommendations for policies enabling pharmacist–prescribed contraceptive services. Contraception. 2025;Epub. Available at: https://www.contraceptionjournal.org/article/S0010-7824(25)00537-2/fulltext
Summary of State Policies
This table reflects states that have implemented policies for pharmacist prescribing of hormonal contraception. Click on the state name to access state-specific resources and policy details. Updated February 6, 2026.
| State | Year | Authority By | Methods | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 2023 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, LNG, UPA | 18 and older |
| Arkansas | 2022 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, LNG | 18 and older |
| California | 2016 | Prescriptive Authority | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG, UPA, NH | All ages |
| Colorado | 2017 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG | 18 and older |
| Connecticut | 2024 | Prescriptive Authority | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG*, UPA* | All ages |
| Delaware | 2024 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG, UPA, NH | All ages |
| Hawaii | 2018 | Prescriptive Authority | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG | All ages |
| Idaho | 2019 | Prescriptive Authority | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG, UPA, NH | All ages |
| Illinois | 2023 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG, UPA, NH | All ages |
| Indiana | 2023 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG | 18 and older |
| Maryland | 2019 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG, UPA, NH | All ages |
| Massachusetts | 2023 | Prescriptive Authority | Pill, Patch, LNG | All ages |
| Minnesota | 2020 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, LNG | 18 and older1 |
| Montana | 2023 | Prescriptive Authority | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG, UPA, NH | All ages |
| Nevada | 2021 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG | All ages |
| New Jersey | 2024 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG | All ages |
| New Mexico | 2018 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG, UPA, NH | All ages |
| New York | 2024 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, LNG | All ages |
| North Carolina | 2022 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch | 18 and older2 |
| Oregon | 2016 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG*, UPA* | All ages |
| Tennessee | 2024 | Prescriptive Authority | Progestin-Only Pill, Shot | 18 and older3 |
| Utah | 2019 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, LNG | 18 and older |
| Vermont | 2021 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, LNG*, UPA* | All ages |
| Virginia | 2021 | Statewide Protocol | Pill, Patch, Ring, Shot, LNG*, UPA* | 18 and older |
| West Virginia | 2020 | Standing Order | Pill, Patch, Ring, LNG | 18 and older |
*Available via separate statewide protocol or standing order; ¹under 18 with prior prescription; ²under 18 with parent/legal guardian consent; ³under 18 if patient is an emancipated minor; LNG = levonorgestrel oral emergency contraceptive; UPA = ulipristal acetate oral emergency contraceptive; NH = non-hormonal contraceptive methods
States Offering via General Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA):Â Kentucky (pursuant to an individual protocol signed by a prescriber for norgestrel 0.75mg or levonorgestrel 1.5mg only) Michigan, Nebraska, South Carolina (pursuant to an individual standing order signed by a prescriber), Tennessee (hormonal contraception available via CPA, progesterone-only contraception available via independent prescribing authority) South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin
States with Statewide Protocols or Standing Orders in Progress:Â Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Washington D.C.
Pharmacist Authority
Pharmacist autonomy in prescribing or dispensing contraceptives varies by state. Collaborative Practice Agreements are the most restrictive, while prescriptive authority is the least restrictive and allows pharmacists provide care within their scope of practice.
Collaborative Practice Agreement - requires an individual pharmacist to establish an agreement with prescriber such as a physician or nurse practitioner to provide specific care such as initiating, adjusting, or discontinuing prescriptions.
Standing Order - non-patient specific prescriptions which are signed by a physician and authorize pharmacists to issue prescriptions under the physician's name when the standing order conditions are met.
Statewide Protocol - issued by a state agency and authorizes pharmacists to autonomously prescribe certain medications following the associated laws and regulations.
Prescriptive Authority - pharmacists have full autonomy to prescribe medications based on clinical guidelines and professional judgement.
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, daily pill |
| 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 $70 without coverage | None |
| Time | 5 - 20 minutes for visit | Less than 5 minutes for purchase |
Policy Landscape Report
See our full report describing the current landscape of direct pharmacy access to contraception in pharmacies, state policy approaches and experiences, as well as implementation. Includes model bill elements and state policy details.
Overview of Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception
