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AB 50

Relating to: state finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session

AB 50 allows pharmacists in California to provide prescription and over-the-counter contraceptives more easily, improving access and reducing barriers for patients.

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Bill Summary · AB 50

Summary of AB 50: Pharmacists: Furnishing Contraceptives

Bill Overview

Bill Number: AB 50
Author: Assemblymember Bonta
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 135, Statutes of 2025
Introduced: December 2, 2024
Effective Date: Immediate as an urgency statute

Purpose and Intent

AB 50 aims to enhance access to contraceptives by allowing pharmacists to furnish both prescription-only and over-the-counter contraceptives with fewer procedural requirements. The bill seeks to streamline the process for obtaining contraceptives, thereby improving reproductive health access for individuals in California.

Key Provisions

  1. Standardized Procedures for Prescription-Only Contraceptives:

    • Existing law requires pharmacists to follow specific protocols when dispensing self-administered hormonal contraceptives, including:
      • Use of a self-screening tool to identify patient risk factors.
      • Referral for appropriate follow-up care.
      • Provision of a standardized factsheet detailing drug use, indications, contraindications, and the need for medical follow-up.
    • AB 50 limits these requirements to prescription-only hormonal contraceptives.

  2. Over-the-Counter Contraceptives:

    • Pharmacists are authorized to furnish over-the-counter contraceptives without adhering to the aforementioned standardized procedures.
    • Pharmacists can provide up to a 12-month supply of over-the-counter contraceptives at the patient’s request.

  3. Conforming Changes:

    • The bill includes related amendments to ensure consistency with the new provisions regarding the dispensing of contraceptives.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This legislation primarily impacts pharmacists, patients seeking contraceptives, and healthcare providers involved in reproductive health.
    • Patients will benefit from easier access to contraceptives, potentially reducing barriers to obtaining necessary medications.

  • Healthcare Providers:

    • The bill may lead to increased collaboration between pharmacists and healthcare providers, as pharmacists will have more autonomy in dispensing contraceptives.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was passed with a 2/3 majority vote, indicating strong legislative support.
  • It was approved by the Governor on September 26, 2025, and became effective immediately as an urgency statute, reflecting the urgency of improving access to contraceptive options.

Conclusion

AB 50 represents a significant step towards improving reproductive health access in California by simplifying the process for obtaining contraceptives. By allowing pharmacists to furnish over-the-counter contraceptives without extensive protocols, the bill aims to enhance patient autonomy and streamline healthcare delivery in this critical area.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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