Bill > S664

This bill aims to ensure access to medications in Massachusetts. It does so by: 1) Prohibiting insurance carriers from restricting the dispensing of specialty drugs to only their preferred pharmacies, as long as the pharmacy can meet the drug's special handling, administration, and monitoring requirements. The bill defines "specialty drugs" as prescription medications that require special handling, administration, or monitoring. 2) Requiring the state Board of Registration in Pharmacy to establish a licensing procedure for "specialty pharmacies" that dispense specialty medications, regardless of whether they are mail-order or in-state pharmacies. The bill sets out various requirements for these specialty pharmacies, such as designating a pharmacist-in-charge and maintaining records of drugs dispensed to Massachusetts residents. The bill also directs the Division of Insurance and the Board of Registration in Pharmacy to promulgate regulations to enforce these new provisions by the end of 2021.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S664