The bill amends Chapter 112 of the General Laws by introducing Section 39K, which establishes a licensing procedure for specialty pharmacies in the Commonwealth that dispense specialty medications. It defines a specialty pharmacy and outlines the responsibilities of a designated pharmacist in charge, including the requirement to register with the board, disclose managerial information, and maintain compliance with state regulations. The bill mandates that pharmacies maintain records of all drugs dispensed and report this information annually to the board. Additionally, it prohibits out-of-state pharmacies from dispensing medications in the Commonwealth without a specialty license.

Furthermore, the bill amends the fourth paragraph of Section 3B of Chapter 176D, ensuring that carriers cannot restrict the dispensing of specialty drugs by licensed pharmacies, provided these pharmacies can meet the necessary handling and monitoring requirements. It also stipulates that any network pharmacy can provide specialty drugs if they agree to the same reimbursement terms as other pharmacies. This legislation aims to enhance access to specialty medications while ensuring compliance and accountability among pharmacies.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 176D-3B