Rite Aid pharmacists gain prescriptive authority for hormonal contraceptives in 5 states
Rite Aid customers in California, Maryland, New Hampshire, Nevada and Oregon can now receive prescribed hormonal contraceptives by their local Rite Aid pharmacist at most store locations after completing an in-person private consultation. Pharmacists in these states have gained the authority to authority to prescribe hormonal contraceptives depending on each state’s laws and regulations.
“As trusted healthcare advisors, pharmacists play a key role on the front lines of a customer’s health and wellness journey,” said Summer Williams Kerley, vice president, clinical operations and health plan solutions at Rite Aid. “Now that Rite Aid pharmacists can prescribe and dispense hormonal contraception, women will have easier access to these medications as we continue to expand the role of our pharmacists to help our customers achieve whole health for life.”
Training requirements typically require a state board-approved program or continuing education program. Rite Aid has created an internal board of pharmacy-approved ACPE accredited CPE course to certify its pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception in select states. This training outlines the procedures to successfully guide pharmacists through the prescribing consultation for hormonal contraceptives, which includes screening, counseling, dispensing and the required documentation, Rite Aid said.
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Customers ages 18 and older in eligible states can schedule a private contraceptive consultation through Rite Aid's online scheduler or by speaking with their pharmacist. Walk-in consultations also are welcome.
Rite Aid said it has expansion plans for prescribing and dispensing hormonal contraception in additional states as regulations permit.
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