The Arkansas Legislature has passed a bill that would allow pharmacies to administer up to six months’ worth of birth control for patients seeking it. The Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to House Bill 1069. It advanced the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee on Monday.
The legislation would allow pharmacists, after screening a patient to assess whether that person has been seen by a primary-care provider in the previous six months, to dispense no more than six months’ worth of birth control until the patient has been seen by a doctor.
Pharmacists must also provide the patient with a referral to a local healthcare provider. The pharmacist would not be allowed to refer a patient to an abortion provider.
Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville presents HB1069 to the Senate floor.
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