LANSING (WWJ) – Pharmacists in Michigan will soon be able to prescribe self-administered hormonal birth control in partnership with doctors, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she's expanding access to birth control for women across the state.
Whitmer’s office on Monday announced the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issued a new interpretation of the Michigan Health Code, which will help “offer women easier access to birth control and provide them greater freedom to plan their families.”
The announcement comes as a result of Whitmer’s executive directive back in May that instructed the state’s departments and agencies to identify and assess opportunities to increase protections for reproductive health care.
“As reproductive freedom is under attack across the nation, we are using every tool in our toolbox here in Michigan to protect women,” Whitmer said, per a press release. “Access to birth control is critical to a woman’s ability to plan her family and chart her own destiny. We are taking action to guarantee that Michigan women have the right to easily make reproductive health care decisions that are best for them.”
Under the new interpretation from LARA, licensed physicians may “delegate to pharmacists the ability to prescribe self-administered, hormonal contraceptives in most circumstances.” That includes oral contraceptives, the patch and the ring, according to Whitmer’s office.
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“Pharmacists are well-qualified to prescribe oral contraceptives, the patch, and the ring because their education and training includes a detailed understanding of the contents, impacts, and effects of drugs on the human body,” Whitmer’s office said.
LARA is encouraging all physicians and pharmacists to review their individual circumstances and practices and speak with their respective attorneys to “ensure that adequate procedures and drug protocols are provided and the scope of delegation is appropriate under the circumstances.”
Officials say LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing staff will review prescription and dispensing practices during their routine pharmacy inspections and investigate any violations of Michigan’s Public Health Code.