Colorado Pharmacists Prescribing Contraceptives Under a New Statewide Protocol
Under a new statewide protocol based on Senate Bill 16-135, only Colorado-licensed pharmacists that have completed an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited educational training program related to the prescribing of contraceptives by a pharmacist, may dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and oral hormone contraceptives to patients who are at least 18 years of age.
Additionally, for new patients requesting contraceptive services, a participating pharmacist must:
- Obtain a completed Colorado Self-Screening Risk Assessment Questionnaire;
- Utilize and follow the Colorado Standard Procedures Algorithm to perform the patient assessment;
- Prescribe, if clinically appropriate, the hormonal contraceptive patch or self-administered oral hormonal contraceptive, or refer to a healthcare practitioner;
- Provide the patient with a Visit Summary;
- Advise the patient to consult with a primary care practitioner or women’s health care practitioner;
- Refer any patient that may be subject to abuse to an appropriate social services agency; and
- Ensure that the pharmacy provides appropriate space to prevent the spread of infection and ensure confidentiality.
Colorado Board of Pharmacy Approved Protocols include:
Hormonal Contraception Protocol A (includes Standard Procedures Algorithm and the Self-Screening Risk Assessment Questionnaire)
Smoking Cessation: currently being addressed the Colorado Board of Pharmacy (watch for updates)