Bill > S1586

This bill amends Chapter 94C of Massachusetts General Laws to allow licensed pharmacists to dispense Smoking Cessation Agents (medications designed to help people quit smoking) under specific conditions. The pharmacists must follow written, standardized procedures developed by a registered physician and file these procedures with their workplace and the board of registration in pharmacy. Before dispensing these agents, pharmacists are required to complete a training program approved by the commissioner, which will cover documentation, quality assurance, and how to refer patients to additional medical services. The bill mandates that the department of public health, board of registration in medicine, and board of registration in pharmacy will develop regulations to implement this new provision. The key innovation is expanding pharmacists' ability to directly provide smoking cessation medications, potentially making these treatments more accessible to patients by allowing them to obtain them directly from trained pharmacists, rather than only through a physician's office.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1586