Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill with amendment that authorizes the acquisition and use of HIV prevention drugs without a prescription.

Highlights:

• Authorizes pharmacists to initiate and furnish HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis without the need of a patient’s prescription (Sec. 2). 

• Requires pharmacists to complete a board-approved training program prior to furnishing HIV medication to patients (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the above-mentioned training to include information about financial assistance programs for HIV medications (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes pharmacists to furnish between a 30 and 60-day supply of HIV medications, if all of the following conditions are satisfied, including (Sec. 2):

• The patient is HIV negative;

• The patient does not report any symptoms of acute HIV infection;

• The patient does not report taking any medications that should not be taken along with the HIV medication;

• The pharmacist provides counseling to the patient on the ongoing use of HIV medication;

• The pharmacist documents the services provided by the pharmacist in the patient’s record; and

• The pharmacist does not furnish more than a 60-day supply of HIV medication to a single patient more than once every 2 years.

Full Bill Text