Pharmacies can't refuse to fill "Plan B" prescriptions, board rules

[uppityperson]

Source: Seattle Times

Druggists who think "morning-after" birth-control pills are tantamount to abortion can't stand in the way of a patient's right to get a prescription, state regulators said today.

In a unanimous vote, the state Board of Pharmacy ruled that drug stores have a duty to fill lawful prescriptions, regardless of an individual pharmacist's personal objections to any particular medication. (clip)

Last year, the state Pharmacy Board declared that pharmacists might be able to deny prescriptions for personal reasons. That was the pharmacy association's preferred route, but the policy angered Gregoire, women's groups and some state lawmakers.

After hinting that she could replace board members, Gregoire worked out the compromise rule adopted today. The rule will take effect in mid-June, Health Department spokesman Jeff Smith said.

Read more: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003663743_webplanb12m.html

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Good news from WA!

[Fenris]

1. Excellent news.

[drm604]

2. K&R

Good ruling. If you can't do the job correctly don't go into the field.

[intheflow]

3. Finally!

If you object to filling prescriptions, open an all-Christian, faith-based pharmacy and see how well you do. Better yet, leave the profession.

K&R

Edit: Wow! That was fast! Three minutes after posting this hit the GP! :bounce:

[uppityperson]

7. 1 more bit, offers limited "escape" clause, still must be filled @ THAT pharmacy

Druggists with personal objections to a drug still could have a limited escape by getting a co-worker to fill an order. But that would only apply if the patient is able to get her prescription in the same pharmacy visit.

[tavalon]

16. That's how we've done it within nursing

There are plenty of nurses who don't believe in assisting with abortion and they have the right to find another nurse willing to assist that patient. I have no problem assisting in that situation and have been willing to take such assignments from other nurses. I personally have a problem with assisting with circumcision and so ask others to assist with such procedures when necessary. I don't see a problem with that solution.

[Tesha]

28. This is entirely reasonable. (NT)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. the only way it can be done

I mean, I don't know of any Christian Scientists who are doctors--if a pharmacist things HIS faith trumps his profession, he needs to rethink what he does for a living.

[truedelphi]

23. Well said. n/t

[TechBear_Seattle]

5. Very, very good news.

:kick:

[Maraya1969]

6. Someone find one of those pharmacists at Walmart who have refused women and get a script to be

filled!!!! Any obgyn's here? I'd call mine and ask for a script but he knows I can't get pregnant. I would love to see one of those jackasses squirm.

[WindRavenX]

8. fantastic

:thumbsup:

[femmedem]

9. Great news. Thanks for posting it. nt

[BonnieJW]

10. I don't think you need an Rx for these anymore.

They are now OTC, but they are kept behind the pharmacy counter so those women under 18 (the ones who need it most) can't get them. Pharmacists may not refuse them to anyone old enough to purchase them. Planned Parenthood have volunteers on "Pill Patrol." These women go to the pharmacies in their towns and purchase Plan B. They report any stores that refuse to sell the product to Planned Parenthood.

[uppityperson]

13. Age dependent

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/planB/planBQandA20060824.htm

FDA is announcing the approval of the emergency contraceptive drug Plan B as an over-the-counter (OTC) option for women aged 18 and older. A prescription-only form of Plan B will remain available for young women aged 17 and younger.

How can I purchase over-the-counter Plan B?

Plan B will only be sold in pharmacies/stores staffed by a licensed pharmacist. In order to purchase Plan B over-the-counter, personal identification showing proof of age (18) is required. Plan B will be available behind the counter at the pharmacy in order to manage both prescription (17 years and under) and OTC (18 years and over) dispensing. This means Plan B will not be sold at gas stations or convenience stores, where other OTC products are routinely available.

[Shakespeare]

11. I thought Plan B was available as a behind-the-counter item WITHOUT a prescription.

In fact, isn't that the whole POINT of Plan B?

[uppityperson]

12. If you are 18 and in certain states they are OTC.

http://www.go2planb.com/ForConsumers/HowToGetIt/Default.aspx
Plan B® is now available without a prescription for consumers age 18 or older, but a prescription is needed for women 17 and younger. But remember, Plan B® is more effective the sooner you take it – and you should take it within 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.

If you live in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts or Washington, you can get Plan B® without a prescription at some pharmacies; however, you should call your pharmacy in advance to make sure they offer and stock Plan B®.

[notadmblnd]

I thought that could be bought over the counter?

why have a plan b if you have to wait to go to a dr to fill the script?

[uppityperson]

15. please see posts #12 and 13, age dependent.

[notadmblnd]

14. I thought that could be bought over the counter?

why have a plan b if you have to wait to go to a dr to fill the script?

[Solo_in_MD]

17. However, this does not require that it be carried

[customerserviceguy]

20. If it did

you would see a lot of pharmacies just go out of business in rural areas. Forcing an employee to sell every product his employer carries is one thing, but forcing a business to carry a certain product is quite another.

[rocktivity]

18. CUE THE VONAGE THEME!

And let's make this a FEDERAL policy! If you can't do a job, give it to someone who can!

:woohoo:
rocknation

[williesgirl]

19. Great news - fill them or find another job! Finally. Recommended

[Scout]

21. K & R n/t

[depakid]

22. The scary thing is that more than a few pharmacists

don't understand how levonorgestrel works, or are under the mistaken impression that two $40 pills will either encourage kids to have sex or that they'll use it as a substitute for conventional birth control.

[xchrom]

24. recommend!

[Tyler Durden]

25. OMG, that link was bizarre!

Not that I have anything at all against any such activities, but it was bizarre.

[xchrom]

26. lol -- i know huh!? -- but i think it's SO funny.

[Tyler Durden]

27. Love the signature, too.

[Evergreen Emerald]

29. I like Gregoire

She is one strong woman. She is doing a great job here in Washington.