California Pharmacists Can Now Furnish HIV Medications

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB159 into law this week, allowing California pharmacists to furnish HIV-prevention medications without a physician’s prescription.  This new legislation allows pharmacists to dispense 30 to 60 days of PrEP or a full course of PEP to patients if they receive counseling on the drug’s effects and an HIV test.  This bill also prohibits insurance companies from requiring prior authorization

Governor Newsom stated that “Recent breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of HIV can save lives.  All Californians deserve access to PrEP and PEP, two treatments that have transformed our fight against HIV and AIDS. I applaud the Legislature for taking action to expand access to these treatments and getting us closer to ending HIV and AIDS for good.”

The California Pharmacists Association, a co-sponsor of this legislation, has several resources available on their website including a fact sheet and infographic.

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