Office of Gov. Ned Lamont (01/31/25)

Connecticut residents are gaining greater access to contraceptives through new initiatives, including a training program for licensed pharmacists interested in prescribing hormonal birth control directly to customers. Gov. Ned Lamont unveiled the continuing education program, which was developed by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and approved by the state Department of Consumer Protection, on January 31. He was joined by Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli, who emphasized the importance of pharmacies — which interact with patients on a more regular basis than physicians — as gateways for safe and effective medications. Connecticut Pharmacists Association CEO Nathan Tinker thanked the agency and the Lamont administration "for recognizing that pharmacists are in a unique position to provide timely, convenient, and patient-centered care." More than 6,500 licensed pharmacists across the state are eligible to take the new course and begin offering contraceptive services at 671 qualified pharmacy locations. "The ability for pharmacists to directly prescribe hormonal and emergency contraception is a critical step forward in expanding access to essential health care," Tinker added.

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