Bill > S1525

This bill amends Section 7 of Chapter 94C of Massachusetts General Laws to specify who can legally administer controlled substances (medications with potential for abuse, categorized in Schedules II through VI). The bill restricts administration of these substances primarily to licensed healthcare professionals such as dentists, nurses, physicians, podiatrists, perfusionists, optometrists, and veterinarians, as well as students in these professions who are under professional supervision. However, the bill creates important exceptions to this restriction, allowing: (1) self-administration, (2) emergency administration of epinephrine pens, (3) administration by emergency medical personnel, (4) administration by a domestic partner or family member to an ill or injured person, and (5) administration by a certified medication aide in a long-term care facility. The bill provides a nuanced definition of "self-administration" that includes the ability of an ill or injured person with sufficient understanding of their medication to supervise an unlicensed person in directly administering their controlled substance, as long as they comprehend the medication's purpose, schedule, and can communicate about its effects. This legislation aims to ensure safer medication administration while maintaining flexibility for emergency and personal care situations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1525