A NEW PEP AND PrEP BILL 

A new bill authorizes a pharmacist to initiate and supply HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 60 days. This bill (SB 159) also authorizes a pharmacist to initiate and supply a full course of HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). The bill also prohibits health plans and insurers from requiring prior authorization or step therapy for PrEP or PEP, and requires coverage of pharmacist-prescribed PrEP and PEP.

Prior to SB 159, PrEP and PEP both required a physician’s prescription, limiting or delaying access to the medication because some people are not comfortable visiting a doctor — while others struggle to access a doctor or are confronted with long delays to obtain an appointment. At Planned Parenthood, we are constantly working to reduce barriers to health access, which is why we celebrate this legislative win. Allowing pharmacists to furnish PrEP and PEP without a prescription will expand access, help increase the number of individuals who use these HIV preventatives, and will help California achieve its goal to end new HIV infections. 

***