Bill > H2509

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to develop and publicize a comprehensive statewide emergency plan for ensuring prescription medication availability during a gubernatorially declared state of emergency. The plan must include several key provisions: allowing early prescription refills if a patient's current medication supply will last less than 10 days after the emergency declaration (with pharmacist confirmation), ensuring medication delivery vehicles receive the same road access as other emergency vehicles, coordinating among pharmaceutical industry stakeholders to streamline supply chain logistics, avoiding redundant infrastructure, and creating a safety net system with a toll-free phone number and website to help patients locate prescription medications if local supplies are unavailable. When a state of emergency is declared, the health commissioner is mandated to implement this plan for the entire duration of the emergency. The bill aims to address potential medication access challenges during critical public health or other emergency situations by proactively establishing a comprehensive coordination and support mechanism.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2509