Illinois' top public health leader issued a standing order May 11, allowing pharmacists in the state to dispense hormonal contraception.
The move comes after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law in July 2021, allowing Illinois residents to receive birth control over the counter without having to visit a physician.
The standing order permits pharmacists to dispense all FDA-approved oral contraceptives, hormonal patches, vaginal rings and contraceptive injections after undergoing training accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
"This standing order allows Illinois to join the over 20 states that have already enacted policies to allow pharmacists to dispense safe and effective hormonal contraception," Sameer Vohra, MD, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said in a news release.
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