ILLINOIS PHARMACIES MUST POST CONTRACEPTIVE SIGNS

Pharmacies across Illinois are nowrequired to post signs indicating thatpharmacies must dispense prescribedcontraceptives—including the morningafterpill—without delay. The legislationwas spearheaded by Gov RodBlagojevich. The signs, which are placedin about 2700 pharmacies, instructpatients that, if the pharmacy dispensescontraceptives, the pharmacist must fillthe prescription right away.

If the contraceptive is out of stock, the pharmacist and thepatient's physician can decide on a suitable alternative. Patientsalso can choose to pick up the contraceptive later or have theprescription transferred to another pharmacy. The signs have atoll-free telephone number and a state Web site address to registera complaint with the Department of Financial and ProfessionalRegulation.