Springfield, IL – Illinois residents may soon find it easier to access a broader range of contraceptive products after the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) expanded a statewide standing order allowing trained pharmacists to provide additional reproductive health products directly to patients.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the updated standing order expands a 2023 policy that authorized eligible pharmacists to provide certain prescription hormonal contraceptives. The revised order now also includes prescription non-hormonal contraception and prescription emergency contraception, provided pharmacists complete state-approved training and follow patient screening requirements.
The standing order also includes prescriptions for over-the-counter contraceptive products, emergency contraception, condoms and pregnancy tests when needed to help patients meet insurance coverage requirements.
Before dispensing prescription contraception under the standing order, pharmacists must have patients complete a self-screening health assessment and determine whether they meet established medical criteria. If a pharmacist determines the medication is not appropriate, the patient must be referred to a physician or another qualified health care provider. Pharmacists are also required to provide counseling on contraceptive options and maintain records documenting compliance with the standing order.
“Reproductive health care must be accessible, safe, timely, and centered around the needs of Illinois residents,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement. “By expanding this standing order, we are giving more people the ability to access contraception from trained pharmacists in their own communities.”
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said the expansion reflects its continued partnership with IDPH to improve access to reproductive health services provided by licensed health care professionals.
The updated standing order is part of broader reproductive health initiatives announced under Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration, including provider training grants, support for birth equity programs, Title X family planning services and patient privacy protections.
