Relates to the administration of reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections; provides that no pharmacist shall administer reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections without receiving training satisfactory to the commissioner of education and the commissioner of health.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8664
SPONSOR: McDonald TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the administration of
reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections
PURPOSE:
To authorize pharmacists to administer injections for contraceptive use.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision 22 of section 6802 of the education law to
include pharmacist administration of reversible progest-in-only contra-
ceptive injections approved by the United States Food and Drug Adminis-
tration (USFDA) and pursuant to a patient specific prescription or order
within the definition of administer.
Section 2 amends section 6801 of the education law to include pharmacist
administration of reversible prOgestin-only contraceptive injections
within the definition of practice of pharmacy and ensure training satis-
factory to the department.
Section 3 provides the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Over 25,000 women throughout New York live in contraceptive deserts,
without access to a single clinic with the full range of contraceptives.
As a result, some women must cross county lines to receive the contra-
ceptive of their choice. With 60% of women of reproductive age currently
using a contraceptive method, it is clear that access to contraception
is a public health concern. One such shot is the Depo-Provera injection
that must be received every three months. In New York, it must be given
by your healthcare provider rather than a pharmacist. This is an unnec-
essary barrier keeping women from the contraception of their choice.
This bill would allow pharmacists to administer these injections, pursu-
ant to a patient specific prescription or order, allowing women to
receive their hormonal injection at their local pharmacy. Pharmacies
are convenient locations for accessing birth control given their preva-
lence in communities and their flexible hours. This legislation improves
access for marginalized communities of young people, rural communities,
and other individuals who have historically experienced barriers to
reproductive and contraceptive care.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: A.8881/S.5635A
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
8664
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
May 23, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. McDONALD -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to the administration of
reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Subdivision 22 of section 6802 of the education law is
2 amended by adding a new paragraph c to read as follows:
3 c. The administration of a reversible progestin-only contraceptive
4 injection approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as
5 prescribed or ordered by a licensed prescriber, acting within the scope
6 of their practice in this state and in accordance with regulations
7 promulgated by the commissioner, provided that:
8 (1) Such administration is conducted pursuant to a valid patient-spe-
9 cific prescription or patient-specific order.
10 (2) The pharmacist shall notify the licensed prescriber that the
11 administration is complete within five days and shall convey such infor-
12 mation to the prescriber by making an entry into an interoperable elec-
13 tronic medical records system, an electronic prescribing technology or a
14 pharmacy record, or by using facsimile, electronic transmission or other
15 electronic means. If an electronic means described in this subparagraph
16 is not available to the pharmacist at the time of communication, the
17 pharmacist or pharmacist's designee may communicate the information by
18 telephone. Notification shall also be required if a patient does not
19 receive an administration or if the patient experiences any side effects
20 or adverse reactions to the medications. Administration in a pharmacy
21 shall not commence until after the patient has received the initial
22 injection and is considered eligible for maintenance treatment by the
23 licensed prescriber.
24 (3) Such prescription may be subject to reassessment at appropriate
25 intervals, as determined by the licensed prescriber.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13237-02-5
A. 8664 2
1 (4) When administering an injection in a pharmacy, the pharmacist
2 shall provide an area for the injection that provides for the patient's
3 privacy.
4 § 2. Subdivision 3 of section 6801 of the education law, as amended by
5 chapter 746 of the laws of 2023, is amended and a new subdivision 10 is
6 added to read as follows:
7 3. No pharmacist shall administer immunizing agents [or], injectable
8 medications for the treatment of mental health and substance use disor-
9 der, or reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections, without
10 receiving training satisfactory to the commissioner and the commissioner
11 of health which shall include, but not be limited to, techniques for
12 screening individuals and obtaining informed consent; techniques of
13 administration; indications, precautions and contraindications in the
14 use of agent or agents; record keeping of immunization and information;
15 and handling emergencies, including anaphylaxis and needlesticks.
16 10. A licensed pharmacist, within their lawful scope of practice, who
17 holds a certificate of administration issued by the department, may
18 administer reversible progestin-only contraceptive injections and medi-
19 cations required for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis related to such
20 administration pursuant to section sixty-eight hundred two of this arti-
21 cle, as prescribed or ordered by a licensed prescriber acting within
22 their scope of practice in this state and in accordance with regulations
23 promulgated by the commissioner.
24 § 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
25 it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amend-
26 ment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implemen-
27 tation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
28 completed on or before such effective date.
