New Hampshire bill allowing pharmacists to dispense birth control without a prescription endorsed at hearing

A bill that would allow birth control to be dispensed by pharmacists without a prescription will reduce unintended pregnancies and health care costs, according to a range of speakers at a New Hampshire State House public hearing. "The intent is to improve access to hormonal contraceptives, prevent unintended pregnancy and reduce the cost of health care by allowing routine things to be done by lower cost providers," said Rep. William Marsh (R-Wolfeboro), one of the bill’s sponsors and a member of the commission that studied the issue last year. Members of the commission include representatives of various stakeholder groups, such as the state Pharmacists Association, Board of Pharmacy, Medical Society, and Board of Nursing. The bill they drafted calls for creation of a statewide protocol that would serve as a sort of universal prescription, so pharmacists can use standing orders to dispense birth control tablets to women who want them without going to see doctors first. Pharmacists in California, Oregon, and Washington state are able to prescribe contraceptives, and are paid for the evaluation they have to conduct in addition to the drugs. At least 11 other states and the District of Columbia are considering similar legislation.