IDPH expands access to reproductive health products

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Department of Public Health announced an updated contraceptive standing order expanding the ability of pharmacists to provide prescription birth control directly to Illinois residents.

The updated order builds on a 2023 order that gave pharmacists the ability to provide certain prescription hormonal contraceptives. The new expansion includes prescription non-hormonal contraception and emergency contraception.

Pharmacists are required to compete training approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation on patient assessment, contraceptive counseling and education, and more before being allowed to provide prescription contraception.

The order also includes a prescription for over-the-counter forms of contraception and emergency contraception, as well as condoms and pregnancy tests.

Under the terms of the standing order, before a pharmacist can provide prescription forms of contraception, they have to have the patient finish a self-screening risk assessment tool and make sure the patient meets the medical criteria for the contraception. If the pharmacist determines they can't provide the medication, they have to refer the patient to a physician. Pharmacists also have to provide counseling on various forms of contraception and maintain records showing they have met the requirements of the standing order.

A copy of the standing order can be found here.