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Birth-control rule to become permanent [in Illinois]From: dean@thehuffpeople.netWed Aug 17 13:07:22 2005
.. Birth-control rule to become permanent Springfield [Illinois] Journal-Register Published Wednesday, August 17, 2005 CHICAGO - Gov. Rod Blagojevich's temporary rule compelling Illinois pharmacies to fill prescriptions for birth control - including the controversial "morning-after" pill - is expected to become permanent now that it has been screened in final form by a legislative committee. Most members of the bipartisan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules voted Tuesday to let the measure advance with other proposed regulations. Once it is filed with the secretary of state's Index Division, the rule becomes binding indefinitely, officials said. The rule will require pharmacies that dispense contraceptives to fill birth-control prescriptions "without delay," or help patients make other arrangements. Alternatives can include transferring the prescription to another pharmacy or handing it back at the patient's request. "I think your rule is right on the money," state Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, R-Des Plaines, said during a brief discussion with state regulators who will enforce the new requirements. "I don't always agree with the governor. In this particular instance I do." Blagojevich imposed the rule on an emergency basis April 1 for 150 days following complaints that an Osco pharmacist in Chicago refused to fill prescriptions for the morning-after pill known as Plan B. The drug, if taken soon after sexual intercourse, prevents pregnancy, but some consider the process abortion. Some Illinois pharmacists have challenged the governor's rule in court, arguing that state law allows health-care professionals, including themselves, to opt out of procedures they find morally objectionable. But Michael Patton, executive director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association, said the law specifically doesn't offer that protection to pharmacists - an omission he'd like to see corrected in Springfield. In the meantime, Patton said, his organization can support the new rule for dispensing birth control because it has been revised with adequate controls for his industry. He said the regulation does not stop pharmacists from being able to "intervene for medical reasons" if they believe a birth-control prescription could harm a patient. Two Republican JCAR members, Sen. Brad Burzynski of Clare and Rep. Dave Leitch of Peoria, sought to stop the rule from advancing Tuesday. Leitch said he doesn't oppose the morning-after pill but thinks lawmakers should address the rights of pharmacists in legislative form, not rule-making. "There are many (pharmacists) who believe that the morning-after pill is an act of abortion," Leitch said. "That is a right of conscience." The state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is expected to file the permanent rule with the secretary of state's office before the temporary version expires early next month, agency spokeswoman Sue Hofer said. Mike Ramsey can be reached at (312) 857-2323 or cnsramsey@aol.com.
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