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California hopes to improve access to HIV prevention drugs by letting pharmacists prescribe them. Some are calling for similar availability here in Minnesota.

Some calling for better access to HIV prevention drugs in Minnesota

 allows HIV prevention drugs to be prescribed by pharmacists instead of doctors. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the law last week. 

, are calling for similar availability here.    

, of pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis. They're effective and seen as an important tool in preventing HIV infection. But 

University of Minnesota Physicians Mill City Clinic

, said there hasn’t been as much of an uptake in at-risk communities as doctors would like to see.

“And there are real disparities, particularly among people of color, with getting access to these medications,” he said. 

Don't be surprised if your doctor recommends HIV testing

Eliminating the need to see a doctor for an initial prescription could improve access. But Thompson said there are concerns that misuse of the drug — using it when one already has HIV — could lead to an increase in HIV resistance. 

To learn more about the California law and how it tries to avoid that, click play on the audio player above.

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California hopes to improve access to HIV prevention drugs by letting pharmacists prescribe them. Some are calling for similar availability here in Minnesota.


Some calling for better access to HIV prevention drugs in Minnesota

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