In a major step toward expanding reproductive healthcare access across the state, a new law (HB 3489) takes effect on January 1, 2026, empowering licensed pharmacists to assess patients and dispense a full range of contraceptives, including emergency contraception, without requiring a traditional doctor’s prescription.
This change is particularly vital for residents in rural or underserved areas of Southern Illinois, where access to primary care physicians or OB-GYNs can be limited by distance and appointment wait times.
Key Requirements of Pharmacist Contraceptive Dispensing
This law updates the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act and expands the existing authorization for pharmacists to counsel and dispense birth control:
1. Full Scope of Contraceptives Included
The law broadens the types of contraceptives a pharmacist can dispense under a standing order or protocol, now explicitly covering:
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Hormonal Contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills, patches, rings).
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Non-Hormonal Contraceptives (where applicable under protocol).
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Emergency Contraception (such as Plan B or Ella).
2. Assessment and Consultation Are Required
The pharmacist’s role is not just dispensing. The new law provides that the “practice of pharmacy” now formally includes the assessment and consultation of patients for this purpose.
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To dispense contraceptives, the pharmacist must complete an accredited educational training program and follow a detailed protocol, including a patient self-screening risk assessment (based on the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria) and blood pressure measurement.
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The consultation must occur in a private setting to maintain patient confidentiality.
3. Improving Timeliness and Access
By removing the mandatory intermediate step of a separate doctor’s appointment for prescription renewal or initial consultation, the law addresses a significant barrier to timely care. For emergency contraceptives, this ability to access the medication immediately from a local pharmacy can be critical.
4. Medicaid Coverage Updated
The law also amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to ensure that the medical assistance program (Medicaid) will cover patient care services provided by a pharmacist for contraceptives, ensuring that low-income patients also benefit from this expanded access model.
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