Georgia pharmacists will be allowed to prescribe HIV prevention medications beginning July 1 under a new law, according to a May 27 report from Atlanta News First. Georgia joins more than 20 states that already allow pharmacists to prescribe the medications.
The legislation authorizes pharmacists to prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, and post-exposure prophylaxis, known as PEP.
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported 66,896 Georgians were living with HIV at the end of 2024, while 2,485 people were newly diagnosed that year. Public health leaders said the law could expand access to HIV prevention services in rural communities where clinics are limited. Natalie Crawford, PhD, an associate professor at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, estimated the change could increase access to prevention medications 20-fold, according to the report.
The state’s effort also includes a pilot program called Rx for Change, led by public health organizations including Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, AIDS United, the Black Public Health Academy and the National Pharmaceutical Association. The initiative will launch in Georgia and Louisiana to support pharmacy-based HIV testing, prevention education and PrEP access.
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