The Illinois Department of Public Health announced on Wednesday, June 24, an updated contraceptive standing order expanding the ability of trained pharmacists to provide prescription birth control methods directly to Illinois residents. The updated order is intended to ensure residents have easy access to contraceptive methods. 

The updated order builds upon an order issued in 2023 that gave pharmacists licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation the ability to provide certain prescription hormonal contraceptives. The new expansion includes prescription non-hormonal contraception and emergency contraception.

Pharmacists are required to complete training approved by IDFPR on patient assessment, contraceptive counseling and education and more before being allowed to provide prescription contraception.

“Reproductive health care must be accessible, safe, timely and centered around the needs of Illinois residents,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “By expanding this standing order, we are giving more people the ability to access contraception from trained pharmacists in their own communities. This action strengthens our commitment to reducing barriers to care and supporting Illinoisans in making informed decisions about their health.”

In addition to allowing pharmacists to directly provide prescription contraception, the order also includes a prescription for over-the-counter forms of contraception and emergency contraception, as well as condoms and pregnancy tests, to support insurance coverage requirements.

Under the terms of the standing order, before a pharmacist can provide prescription forms of contraception, they must have the patient complete a self-screening risk assessment tool and ensure that the patient meets the medical criteria for the contraception. If the pharmacist determines that they cannot provide the medication, they must refer the patient to a physician or other health care provider. Pharmacists must also provide counseling on various forms of contraception and must maintain appropriate records showing that they have met the requirements of the standing order.

A copy of the standing order can be found here.