Healthcare (Prescription Drugs)

AB 639 expands the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Wisconsin. It specifically allows them to provide "expedited partner therapy" for sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis) under new section 466.052, enabling them to prescribe antibiotics to sexual partners of infected patients. The bill also requires naturopathic doctors to maintain malpractice insurance (with limited exceptions for government employees) under amended section 466.05(3). Additionally, it updates prescription drug and controlled substance regulations to explicitly include naturopathic doctors in relevant statutes (e.g., 961.23(6)). These changes directly affect naturopathic doctors and patients seeking STI treatment in the state.

SB 137 requires pharmacists to dispense lawfully prescribed contraceptives and other drugs without delay, unless specific exceptions apply. It defines "absolute contraindication" (a condition making a drug unsafe) and lists valid refusal reasons, such as prescription errors, drug incompatibility, or fraud. If a pharmacist refuses for religious or moral reasons, they must immediately transfer the prescription to another pharmacy without delay. The bill also prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from penalizing pharmacists for dispensing drugs for off-label uses under a valid prescription.

AB 127 modifies pharmacy laws regarding the dispensing of lawfully prescribed contraceptives. It allows pharmacists to refuse dispensing for reasons of conscience but requires them to immediately transfer the prescription to another pharmacy at the patient’s direction without delay. This directly affects pharmacists in community and hospital settings who dispense contraceptives, ensuring patients can access their prescribed medication without unnecessary delays. The bill specifies that refusals cannot be based on prescription errors, potential fraud, or drug incompatibility, and clarifies that pharmacists must transfer prescriptions rather than deny service.

Senate Bill 42 allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to individuals aged 18 and older. Pharmacists must follow specific procedures, including having patients complete a self-assessment questionnaire and undergo a blood pressure screening. The Pharmacy Examining Board will create rules for this process, which also requires pharmacists to report prescriptions to a patient's primary care practitioner and maintain malpractice insurance. Additionally, the bill ensures that Medical Assistance covers these contraceptive services when provided by certified pharmacists.

AB 54 prohibits the state department from requiring prior authorization or other utilization management controls for FDA-approved antipsychotic prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance program. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who rely on these medications, removing barriers to accessing prescribed antipsychotic treatments. The bill creates a new statute section explicitly stating that utilization management controls (such as step therapy or prior approval) cannot be imposed on these specific drugs. The policy change aims to streamline access to necessary antipsychotic medications without altering drug approval standards.