SACRAMENTO – Californians are one step closer to increased birth control access. Assembly Bill 1264, authored by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach), would allow Californians to access birth control prescriptions through a phone app by clarifying prescribing telehealth law related to appropriate prior examination. After passing the Assembly floor 64-0-16, the bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 8-0-1 in Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee today, June 17, 2019.
“AB 1264 will provide birth control access to tens of thousands of Californians who cannot easily access care in a health center,” said Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris. “Just like 15 other states have already implemented, increased access to birth control through virtual care will help providers meet patients where they are.”
AB 1264 clarifies that an appropriate prior examination does not require a real time, synchronous visit between a patient and clinician, provided that it complies with the standard of care. Providers and medical experts have determined the requirement of a synchronous interaction is medically unnecessary and causes an arbitrary barrier to receiving care.
“Technology has created another door to the health care system for patients to access their care when and how they want,” said Dr. Jenna Tosh, California Planned Parenthood Education Fund Board Chair. “AB 1264 will ensure that virtual door remains open to address the unmet needs of thousands of patients in California who are seeking birth control and we thank Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris for her leadership on this issue.”
AB 1264 will proceed to Senate Appropriations.
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