4052.02. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacist may initiate and furnish HIV preexposure prophylaxis in accordance with this section.
(b) For purposes of this section, “preexposure prophylaxis” means a fixed-dose combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) (300 mg) with emtricitabine (FTC) (200 mg), or another drug or drug combination determined by the board to meet the same clinical eligibility recommendations provided in CDC guidelines.
(c) For purposes of this section, “CDC guidelines” means the “2017 Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection in the United States–2017 Update: A Clinical Practice Guideline,” or any subsequent guidelines, published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(d) Before furnishing preexposure prophylaxis to a patient, a pharmacist shall complete a training program approved by the board, in consultation with the Medical Board of California, on the use of preexposure prophylaxis and postexposure prophylaxis. The training shall include information about financial assistance programs for preexposure prophylaxis and postexposure prophylaxis, including the HIV prevention program described in Section 120972 of the Health and Safety Code. The board shall consult with the Medical Board of California as well as relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Office of AIDS, within the State Department of Public Health, on training programs that are appropriate to meet the requirements of this subdivision.
(e) A pharmacist shall furnish at least a 30-day supply, and up to a 60-day supply, of preexposure prophylaxis if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The patient is HIV negative, as documented by a negative HIV test result obtained within the previous seven days from an HIV antigen/antibody test or antibody-only test or from a rapid, point-of-care fingerstick blood test approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. If the patient does not provide evidence of a negative HIV test in accordance with this paragraph, the pharmacist shall order an HIV test. If the test results are not transmitted directly to the pharmacist, the pharmacist shall verify the test results to the pharmacist’s satisfaction. If the patient tests positive for HIV infection, the pharmacist or person administering the test shall direct the patient to a primary care provider and provide a list of providers and clinics in the region.
(2) The patient does not report any signs or symptoms of acute HIV infection on a self-reported checklist of acute HIV infection signs and symptoms.
(3) The patient does not report taking any contraindicated medications.
(4) The pharmacist provides counseling to the patient on the ongoing use of preexposure prophylaxis, which may include education about side effects, safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, adherence to recommended dosing, and the importance of timely testing and treatment, as applicable, for HIV, renal function, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy for individuals of childbearing capacity. The pharmacist shall notify the patient that the patient must be seen by a primary care provider to receive subsequent prescriptions for preexposure prophylaxis and that a pharmacist may not furnish a 60-day supply of preexposure prophylaxis to a single patient more than once every two years.
(5) The pharmacist documents, to the extent possible, the services provided by the pharmacist in the patient’s record in the record system maintained by the pharmacy. The pharmacist shall maintain records of preexposure prophylaxis furnished to each patient.
(6) The pharmacist does not furnish more than a 60-day supply of preexposure prophylaxis to a single patient more than once every two years, unless directed otherwise by a prescriber.
(7) The pharmacist notifies the patient’s primary care provider that the pharmacist completed the requirements specified in this subdivision. If the patient does not have a primary care provider, or refuses consent to notify the patient’s primary care provider, the pharmacist shall provide the patient a list of physicians and surgeons, clinics, or other health care service providers to contact regarding ongoing care for preexposure prophylaxis.
(f) A pharmacist initiating or furnishing preexposure prophylaxis shall not permit the person to whom the drug is furnished to waive the consultation required by the board.
(g) The board, by July 1, 2020, shall adopt emergency regulations to implement this section in accordance with CDC guidelines. The adoption of regulations pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed to be an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare. The board shall consult with the Medical Board of California in developing regulations pursuant to this subdivision.
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 370, Sec. 5. (SB 1371) Effective January 1, 2021.)
Structure California Code