Pharmacy

Guidance for hospital and clinical-based pharmacies as well as regulations related to commercial pharmacies.
10.01.2018  | Opioids: A Step Forward in D.C., a Potential Step Back in Mass.
In Mass., optimism over a federal opioid bill is mixed with concern over an impending threat to the state's behavioral health system
09.24.2018  | While Lawsuits Continue, 340B Stewardship Principles Are Urged
The American Hospital Association last week announced 340B drug program “good stewardship principles.”
09.10.2018  | Hospitals File Suit to Halt 340B Cuts
AHA and other hospital interests filed suit in U.S. District Court to stop a nearly 30% reduction in Medicare payments to hospitals for purchase of outpatient drugs under the 340B program.
09.10.2018  | CDC Seeks Hospital Info to Inform Opioid Epidemic
In the battle against the opioid epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking data from hospitals across the U.S.
08.27.2018  | FDA Seeks Best Practices for Prescribing Opioids
The FDA has awarded a contract to develop evidence-based guidelines for appropriate opioid analgesic prescribing.
08.20.2018  | Governor Baker Signs Opioid and Alzheimer's Legislation
Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker signed two pieces of legislation of interest to the hospital community.
07.23.2018  | Senate Passes Bill to Expand Tools for Addiction Treatment
In a 37-0 vote last Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate passed “An Act for Prevention and Access to Appropriate Care and Treatment of Addiction.”
07.16.2018  | House Passes Important Bill in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse
The Massachusetts House of Representatives voted unanimously last Wednesday to pass a sweeping, multi-part bill to fight the opioid crisis.
07.02.2018  | CMS Responds to Massachusetts Medicaid Waiver Requests
Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services responded to the state’s 1115 Medicaid Waiver request that had been filed last September.
06.25.2018  | A Pact Between Patient and Caregiver to Avoid Opioid Misuse
Last week, MHA, working with member facilities, released two documents to assist hospitals in addressing a trend of patients misusing opioids within facilities.
06.18.2018  | Mass. House Releases Major Healthcare Overhaul
The Massachusetts House of Representatives could begin consideration as early as tomorrow on a massive healthcare reform bill.
06.04.2018  | President Signs Right to Try Legislation
President Trump signed into law the Right to Try Act of 2017, which will allow terminally ill patients to try certain investigational drugs.
05.14.2018  | HPC Hears Concerns Over Insurers’ Pharmacy Mandates
MHA has informed the HPC about patient safety and cost considerations related to insurance companies’ drug policies.
04.02.2018  | State Healthcare Costs Continue to Beat Benchmark ...
The Health Policy Commission (HPC) released its annual cost trends report last week.
03.26.2018  | New License Requirements for Pharmacy Trainees
The Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued some new, stricter rules for pharmacy technicians in training.
03.19.2018  | Warren Defends 340B Program at Senate HELP Hearing
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) defended the 340B drug program and the hospitals and health centers that rely on it at a hearing last Thursday.
03.05.2018  | New Guidelines for Pharmacy Expansions
The Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued a new application form for pharmacies considering expansions.
02.19.2018  | The Latest Opioid Figures: A Small Glimmer of Hope
DPH has released the latest figures on opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts throughout all of 2017.
02.12.2018  | Supply Shortages Persist; Delegation Seeks Answers & Solutions
Hospitals are still reporting that they are low on IV bags, saline and emergency products.
02.05.2018  | One of Many SOTU Promises: Lowering Rx Prices
Pres. Trump said a great priority is to reduce the price of prescription drugs.

Resources

Click on the links below for easy access to important information related to state healthcare issues and advocacy.
Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts websites below to find information on legislative hearings and other meetings of interest to the healthcare community.
To guide your navigation of the legislative process and assist your advocacy efforts, please visit the following state websites:
MHA has also developed the following documents for your information and benefit: