This bill amends the General Laws to grant licensed pharmacists the authority to prescribe and dispense FDA-approved tobacco cessation drug therapies to qualified patients. To qualify, patients must be at least 18 years old or of minimum age based on the most recent FDA guidance, willing to participate in a structured tobacco cessation program that includes an initial evaluation and follow-up visits with the pharmacist, and educated on symptoms of nicotine toxicity, common and/or severe adverse effects of prescribed medications, and when to seek medical treatment. Pharmacists must complete tobacco cessation education approved by the state board of pharmacy and refer or consult with primary care providers for high-risk patients or those with identified contraindications before prescribing.

Additionally, all pharmacists must adhere to the most updated guidelines and standards of care approved by the board of pharmacy. The bill mandates that all group health insurance contracts and medical expense policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2026, must provide coverage for tobacco cessation drug therapies and the services provided by pharmacists within their lawful scope of practice. Health insurers are required to include an adequate number of pharmacists in their provider networks and must provide coverage for mandated benefits even outside their networks if necessary services are unavailable. This act will take effect upon passage.