Michigan pharmacists receive clarity on authority to prescribe contraceptives

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has released a new interpretation of the Michigan Public Health Code to enable pharmacists to partner with physicians so that the pharmacists directly dispense hormonal birth control.

Michigan pharmacists have historically had the authority to prescribe hormonal contraceptives under collaborative practice agreements, but a recent announcement from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer brings greater public awareness to this service provided by pharmacists. Two Michigan House bills in the state’s legislature will give pharmacists the authority to prescribe hormonal contraceptives according to rules developed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Board of Pharmacy.

LARA’s interpretation allows only physicians with Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy degrees licensed in Michigan to be eligible delegates. They can grant pharmacists who are licensed in the state the authority to prescribe birth control.

Participating pharmacists must also complete training about hormonal contraceptives and agree to “adequate supervision by the delegating licensee.” The interpretive statement from LARA does not require pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraception if they do not wish to do so.

Twenty other states and Washington, DC, have implemented regulations that let pharmacists prescribe birth control, according to the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations.