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without a prescription under Section 17724a, to complete a training program requiring the pharmacist to demonstrate
sufficient knowledge of how to administer and interpret each lab test that the pharmacist may order, and demonstrate
sufficient knowledge of each illness, condition, or disease for which the pharmacist dispenses a drug without a
prescription. R 338.581a also provides that an employer-based training, training completed as part of a professional
degree from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy, and a certificate program are all acceptable.
Illinois permits ordering and administering point of care tests, screening, and treatments for influenza, COVID-19,
Group A Strep, RSV, head louse, and health conditions identified by a statewide public health emergency. A
pharmacist may order and administer COVID-19 therapeutics authorized, approved, or licensed by the FDA with
notice to the patient’s physician and appropriate record retention. There is no training requirement.
Ohio requires a pharmacist who conducts a CLIA-waived test in a CLIA-certified facility that has obtained a certificate
of waiver to receive appropriate training to conduct testing in a safe and effective manner.
Independent Prescription and Dispensation of Contraceptives
R 338.581b, R 338.581c, R 338.581d, and R 338.592 implement the prescription and dispensing of a hormonal
contraceptive patch, a self-administered hormonal contraceptive, an emergency contraceptive, or a vaginal ring
hormonal contraceptive by a pharmacist. R 338.581b requires a pharmacist to complete a training on prescribing and
dispensing contraceptives that is provided by an entity accredited by the ACPE before prescribing contraceptives. R
338.581c requires a pharmacist who issues a contraceptive prescription to comply with the standard procedure
described in R 338.581c, which requires the pharmacist to review the patient’s completed self-screening risk
assessment tool (SSRA) described in R 338.581d and R 338.592 before prescribing a contraceptive. Upon issuing a
contraceptive prescription, R 338.581c requires the pharmacist to refer the patient to the patient’s primary care
physician (PCP), or, if the patient does not have a PCP, to another licensed health professional the pharmacist
considers appropriate. If the patient has not had a physical exam in the previous 12 months, the pharmacist shall refer
the patient to the patent’s PCP. If the pharmacist does not prescribe a contraceptive, the pharmacist shall refer the
patient to a PCP or another licensed health professional. R 338.581c requires the pharmacist to provide the patient
with a written record of the prescribed contraceptive and advise the patient to consult with a physician or other
licensed health professional. R 338.581c also requires the pharmacist to dispense the prescribed contraceptive as
soon as practicable and transfer the prescription to a pharmacy of the patient’s choice, if requested. R 338.592 sets
forth the questions to be included on the SSRA and R 338.581d provides that the questions may be reordered or
reformatted, and the patient may complete the SSRA electronically.
Illinois, Indiana, and New York have statewide standing orders in place authorizing pharmacists to dispense
contraceptives. Minnesota’s board of pharmacy has adopted protocols for a pharmacist to dispense a contraceptive.
Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania do not permit pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives.
The Great Lakes states that authorize pharmacists to dispense contraceptives require a pharmacist to first complete
training. Illinois and New York require a training program covering specified topics. Illinois requires the training to be
provided by an ACPE-accredited provider. Minnesota requires training on prescribing contraceptives that is offered by
a college of pharmacy or by a provider accredited by the ACPE, or a program approved by the board as well as
continuing education as specified by the board.
Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and New York require the patient to complete a SSRA for the pharmacist to review prior to
dispensing a contraceptive. Indiana, Minnesota and New York require the pharmacist to measure the patient’s blood
pressure. Illinois, Indiana, New York, and Minnesota have adopted procedures based on the United States Medical
Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use published by the CDC. If the patient is not eligible under the state’s protocol or
procedure to receive the contraceptive from a pharmacist, the pharmacist refers the patient to the patient’s PCP or
another healthcare provider.
A. If the rules exceed standards in those states, please explain why and specify the costs and benefits
arising out of the deviation.
The standards pertaining to licensure, training, renewal, and duties differ from state to state. There are some
differences between states, however, the regulatory framework is similar. Overall, the standards in the
proposed rules do not exceed those of the other states in the Great Lakes region.
Further, the proposed rules pertaining to telehealth, immunizations ordered and administered by pharmacists,
qualified laboratory tests ordered and administered by pharmacists, drugs dispensed by pharmacists without a
MCL 24.245(3)