Legislative Tracker: Pharmacist-Initiated PrEP and PEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are highly effective HIV prevention strategies. PrEP, taken daily, reduces the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99% for sexual activity and 74% for injection drug use, while PEP, an emergency treatment, must be initiated within 72 hours of exposure. Despite their effectiveness, fewer than 25% of those who could benefit from PrEP use it, with the lowest uptake among Black and Latinx communities, rural residents, and other high-risk groups. Barriers include systemic racism, cost, limited provider education, and access to care.

Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare providers, are uniquely positioned to address these barriers. Increasingly, states are exploring laws to allow pharmacists to initiate and administer PrEP and PEP without requiring prescriptions from primary care providers.

This brief examines the opportunities and challenges with pharmacy-initiated PrEP and PEP treatment; offers considerations for states, pharmacists, and other entities looking to explore pharmacy-initiated PrEP and PEP treatment; and describes the current legal and statutory landscape around pharmacy-initiated PrEP and PEP.

Download the issue brief below to learn more.