Bill > S777

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for specialty pharmacies across multiple chapters of Massachusetts law, focusing on patient safety and medication distribution. The bill defines a specialty pharmacy as a pharmacy providing specialized pharmacy services for complex medical conditions, requiring extensive patient monitoring and potentially complex medication administration. It prohibits insurers and healthcare organizations from requiring patients to transport specialty medications to healthcare providers and prevents mandatory use of home infusion pharmacies. When specialty pharmacies distribute medications to healthcare facilities, the bill mandates several key requirements, including 60-day advance notice to providers, same-day medication delivery, 24/7 pharmacist access, cold chain logistics, medication pedigree documentation, FDA compliance, national accreditation, and agreements ensuring proper medication handling. The legislation also prevents specialty pharmacies from distributing medications that require sterile compounding, patient-specific dosing, or are federally controlled substances. Additionally, when specialty pharmacies distribute medications to healthcare facilities, providers must receive site-neutral payments that cover intake, storage, and disposal costs. These provisions apply to various health insurance types, including group insurance, Medicaid, commercial insurance, hospital service plans, medical service agreements, health maintenance organizations, and health plans offered through the state's health connector.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S777