MCEU 28 November 2006

MEMORANDUM FOR Baumholder Health Clinic Staff

SUBJECT: Emergency Contraception at Baumholder Health Clinic

1. PURPOSE: To establish guidelines for distribution of emergency contraception to patients at Baumholder Health Clinic.

2. GENERAL: Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is an emergency contraceptive drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of pregnancy after a contraceptive failure or unprotected sex. The drug has been approved by the FDA as both a prescription and over the counter (OTC) product with specific age restrictions: individuals 17 years of age and under will require a prescription, while those 18 years of age and older can obtain the drug without a prescription from a pharmacy as an OTC drug product.

2. APPLICABILITY: This SOP applies to all medical personnel assigned to US Army Health Clinc Baumholder.

3. REFERENCES: OTSG/MEDCOM Policy Memo 06-035 “Prescribing, Dispensing, and Distributing of Plan B (Levonorgestrel).

4. PROCEDURE:

a. Plan B is available at Baumholder Health Clinic in each treatment room medication cart.

b. Team 1 and Team 2 floor nurse will coordinate with Baumholder Clinic Supply Sergeant to ensure adequate stock of Plan B on each treatment room medication cart.

c. A patient who is older than 18 years of age who requests emergency contraception will be directed to Team 1 or Team 2 nurses station. The nurse may interview the patient and if it has been within 72 hours of failed contraception or unprotected sex the nurse may dispense Plan B from the treatment room medication cart. The nurse will then document the encounter as “Plan B dispensed to patient who is over 18 and is within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse or failed contraception” as a nursing encounter. Patients who present with other concerns, fall out of the 72 hour window, are younger than 18, or who have received two packs of Plan B within 6 months will be referred to a healthcare provider for further management, counseling, and care. If the nurse chooses not to dispense Plan B, then he/she may also refer to a provider for further management.

d. This policy and procedure shall remain in effect for all patients of the Baumholder Health Clinic until rescinded or updated by the Chief of Clinics.

JEAN S WHITTEN, MD

MAJ, MC

DCCS, USAHC BAUMHOLDER