Maine § 13826. - Authorization to prescribe, dispense and administer contraceptives

§ 13826.. Authorization to prescribe, dispense and administer contraceptives

1.  Definitions.  As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Injectable hormonal contraceptive" means a drug composed of a hormone or a combination of hormones that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy and that is administered by injection.   [PL 2023, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

B. "Self-administered hormonal contraceptive" means a drug composed of a single hormone or a combination of hormones that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy and that the patient to whom the drug is prescribed may self-administer. "Self-administered hormonal contraceptive" includes an oral hormonal contraceptive, a hormonal vaginal ring and a hormonal contraceptive patch.   [PL 2023, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

2.  Authorization.  A pharmacist may prescribe, dispense or administer a self-administered hormonal contraceptive or injectable hormonal contraceptive in accordance with the requirements set forth in subsection 3.

3.  Requirements.  In order to prescribe, dispense or administer contraceptives under this section, a pharmacist shall:

A. Successfully complete a training program approved by the board related to prescribing, dispensing and administering contraceptives that reflects evidence-based medical eligibility guidelines for contraceptive use and best practices to counsel patients;   [PL 2023, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

B. Obtain a certificate of authorization issued by the board pursuant to subsection 4;   [PL 2023, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

C. Obtain a completed self-screening risk assessment from a patient prior to counseling the patient and issuing a prescription to the patient for a self-administered hormonal contraceptive or injectable hormonal contraceptive. The self-screening risk assessment and counseling provided by a pharmacist must be based on evidence-based medical eligibility guidelines for contraceptive use and best practices to counsel patients;   [PL 2023, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

D. Refer the patient to the patient's practitioner upon dispensing a self-administered hormonal contraceptive or administering an injectable hormonal contraceptive or, if the patient does not have a practitioner responsible for the patient's regular care, advise the patient to consult a practitioner;   [PL 2023, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

E. Provide the patient with a written record of the prescribed self-administered hormonal contraceptive or injectable hormonal contraceptive; and   [PL 2023, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

F. Dispense the self-administered hormonal contraceptive or administer the injectable hormonal contraceptive to the patient as soon as practicable after the pharmacist issues the prescription.   [PL 2023, c. 115, §1 (NEW).]

4.  Certificate of authorization.  A pharmacist shall apply in the form prescribed by the board and submit a certificate fee as set forth in section 13724 for a certificate of authorization to prescribe, dispense and administer contraceptives pursuant to this section. The certificate of authorization expires and is subject to conditions in the same manner as in section 13734. The board shall issue a certificate of authorization to a pharmacist who holds a valid unrestricted license in this State and who submits evidence acceptable to the board that the pharmacist has completed the training described in subsection 3, paragraph A.

5.  Rulemaking.  The board shall adopt rules to implement the requirements of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.