Gov. Charlie Baker (R) signed into law HB 4742 (formerly HB 4866), requiring that on or after Wednesday, January 1, 2020, prescriptions for Schedule II through VI controlled substances must be issued via an electronic prescription from the prescriber to a pharmacy. The law also creates a statewide standing order for the dispensing of naloxone and permits pharmacists to bill the insurer for the person requesting an opioid antagonist dispensed through the standing order. Additionally, pharmacists are not required to determine the identity of the ultimate user and the customer may pay cash for the prescription, if they prefer.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.