Reforming the Board of Pharmacy and Compounding Industry

Governor Patrick has filed legislation to reform the Board of Pharmacy and strengthen state oversight of the compounding pharmacy industry. This legislation, along with related actions the Administration is taking, builds on recommendations released last week by the Commission on Pharmacy Compounding.
“There is no action that we in government can take to prevent all abuses in all industries – but we must do what we can. This legislation makes patient safety paramount and will help fill the gaps in compounding pharmacy monitoring that allowed NECC to operate in the shadows,” said Governor Patrick. “Together these changes can ensure that the tragic events of last fall never happen again.”
Four Key Parts of the Legislation:

1. Requires a special license for sterile compounding that will help regulators hold pharmacies accountable for their practices.
2. For the first time, authorizes the Board to assess fines against Massachusetts licensed pharmacies that violate Board of Pharmacy policies, regulations, or statute; and establishes whistleblower protections for pharmacists and pharmacy staff.
3. Requires licensure for out of state pharmacies that deliver and dispense medications in the Commonwealth.
4. Establishes a clear process to restructure and reorganize the composition of the Board of Pharmacy. The Board will include more members not practicing in the industry they are responsible for regulating. Under the legislation, the 11 member Board would be comprised of four pharmacists, one nurse, one physician, one pharmacy technician, one quality improvement expert, and three public members.

This announcement comes as the first of several reforms the Governor will propose over the next week to address specific needs as part of the Administration's continuing efforts to make government work better.
Read More:

• Press Release
• Governor’s Remarks
• Legislation & Filing Letter

Source found here