CA AB2348

Authorizes registered nurses to dispense drugs or devices upon orders from certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants (in addition to existing authority for physician orders) when functioning within specified primary care clinics.

Permits registered nurses to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives and administer hormonal contraceptive injections in strict adherence to standardized procedures developed by their employing clinics.

Requires standardized procedures for hormonal contraceptive dispensing to include training requirements, competency assessments, blood pressure and weight checks, proper documentation using federal Medical Eligibility Criteria, and physician supervision.

Mandates that patients seen exclusively by a registered nurse for three consecutive years must be evaluated by a physician, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or physician assistant before continuing hormonal contraceptive treatment.

Prohibits registered nurses from dispensing controlled substances, operating pharmacies, or performing dispensing duties as their exclusive job function.