Access to Emergency Contraception

Friendly URL: http://www.mass.gov/emergencycontraception
Use the link above to return directly to this page in the future.

• For Acute Care Hospitals with Emergency Departments
• For Community Pharmacies with Pharmacy Access Programs
• Consumer Information
• Contact Information

The Department of Public Health has implemented the requirements of Chapter 91 of the Acts of 2005, An Act Providing Timely Access to Emergency Contraception. The documents below include fact sheets on emergency contraception for patients and providers; requirements for and regulations concerning hospital provision of emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault; guidelines for pharmacist dispensing of emergency contraception pursuant to standing orders; model standing orders for physicians; and frequently asked questions (FAQs). Also provided is contact information for questions concerning the regulations, policies, fact sheets and emergency contraception in general.

Friendly Bookmark: http://www.mass.gov/emergencycontraception
Use the link above to return directly to this page in the future.

Hospital Documents

For facilities that provide emergency care to sexual assault survivors

• Access to Emergency Contraception Circular Letters
  Explains hospital regulations including requirements for legislatively-mandated fact sheets and reporting forms
• Key Facts About Emergency Contraception After Sexual Assault
  Legislatively-mandated medically and factually accurate fact information on Emergency Contraception (EC) prepared by the commissioner of public health
  • EC Provider Fact Sheet 
  • EC Patient Fact Sheet 
    • EC Patient Fact Sheet (Spanish) 
    • EC Patient Fact Sheet (Portuguese) 
    • EC Patient Fact Sheet (Haitian Creole) 
• Provider Sexual Crime Report (PSCR)
  This mandatory, anonymous hospital reporting form must be filed for each survivor of sexual assault that reports to the emergency department. This form, also located within each Massachusetts Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (MSAECK), contains the emergency contraception report. Upon completion, the PSCR should be faxed to both the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) at 617-725-0260 and to the local public safety authority in the town in which the assault occurred.

View a list of ways that a rape crisis counselor can help a sexual assault survivor in the hospital emergency department

• Rape Crisis Counselors Can Benefit You (PDF) 
• Rape Crisis Counselors Can Benefit You - Large Print (PDF) 

Pharmacy Documents

For licensed pharmacists and actively practicing physicians

• Joint Guidelines regarding Pharmacist Dispensing of Emergency Contraception (PDF) 
  Includes requirements for standing orders, training, and annual reporting
• Model Standing Order (PDF) 
  The procedures and protocols in this model standing order reflect medical research and standards of practice, approved 2005, reviewed 2007. The standing order must be signed by the physician
• Annual Reporting Form (PDF) 
  To be submitted electronically to MDPH by August 1 of each year at: pharmacy.DPH-EC@state.ma.us
• Frequently Asked Questions - Updated 2007 (PDF) 
• EC Pharmacy Access Information: For Pharmacists (PDF) 

Consumer Information

For anyone in need of access to EC and other support services

• Emergency Contraception Pocket Guide (PDF) 
  • Emergency Contraception Pocket Guide Spanish Version 
  • Emergency Contraception Pocket Guide Portuguese Version 
• Emergency Contraception Fact Sheet (PDF) 

For more help getting low-cost Emergency Contraception (EC) or other confidential support services

• Call the Statewide Sexual Health Helpline at 1-877-MA-SEX-ED (1-877-627-3933) or visit www.mariatalks.com/get-ec
• Call a Rape Crisis Centerat 1-800-841-8371 (English) or 1-800-223-5001 (Español), or visit www.surviverape.org

View a list of ways that a rape crisis counselor can help a sexual assault survivor in the hospital emergency department.

• Rape Crisis Counselors Can Benefit You (PDF) 
• Rape Crisis Counselors Can Benefit You - Large Print (PDF) 

Contact Information

Public/Consumers

• Family Planning Program, 617-624-6012
• Sexual Assault Prevention and Survivor Services Program, 617-624-5457

Hospitals

• Division of Health Care Quality, 617-753-8000

Pharmacists/Pharmacies

• Board of Registration in Pharmacy, 800-414-0168 or 617-973-0954
• Drug Control Program, 617-983-6700

Physicians

• Board of Registration in Medicine, 617-654-9800

This information is provided by the Division of Health Care Quality within the Department of Public Health.