Read the full stored bill text
×
Bill H.2509
Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
Section 245. (a) The department shall, in consultation with the board of registration in pharmacy, the division of insurance, the office of Medicaid and the Massachusetts emergency management agency, develop and publicize a statewide plan for ensuring the availability of prescription medications during a state of emergency declared by the governor. The plan shall, at a minimum:
(1) allow for early refills of prescriptions, if the current amount that a patient possesses is not expected to last beyond 10 days of the date of the declaration of emergency; provided, however, that a pharmacist shall confirm such prescription with the prescriber before each refill;
(2) ensure that vehicles delivering medications to pharmacies and hospitals shall be given the same road access available to other emergency vehicles;
(3) coordinate among pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacists and other industry stakeholders;
(4) avoid duplicative or redundant supply chain infrastructure; and
(5) create a safety net system, including a toll-free telephone number and a website for persons to contact during the emergency for assistance in locating prescription medication, in the event no medications are available to them locally.
(b) If the governor declares a state of emergency pursuant to section 2A, chapter 639 of the acts of 1950, or any other applicable law, the commissioner shall implement the statewide plan for ensuring the availability of prescription medications for the duration of the state of emergency.
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Close