Massachusetts Senate Bill S777

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Relative to specialty medications and patient safety

Impact

The proposed legislation will amend various chapters of the General Laws to eliminate mandates requiring that specialty medications be directly provided to patients for self-transport to healthcare providers. Instead, it will establish protocols ensuring medications can be administered safely in various healthcare settings, thereby enhancing patient safety. Additionally, the bill mandates that health plans cover these specialties without the requirement that a medication be transported by patients, ensuring logistical support is available via healthcare providers.

Summary

Bill S777, introduced by Senator Jason M. Lewis, aims to enhance regulations around specialty pharmacies and ensure patient safety in the distribution of specialty medications. The bill introduces formal definitions of 'specialty pharmacy' and 'specialty pharmacy practice', emphasizing the need for comprehensive patient care that includes close monitoring and communication with healthcare providers for chronic or specific diseases. This recognition seeks to formalize the role of specialty pharmacies in the Massachusetts healthcare system that are designed to manage complex drug therapies involving specialized medications.

Contention

One point of contention regarding Bill S777 revolves around the implications for existing contracts between health plans and specialty pharmacies. The requirement for patient-specific expedited exception processes and advanced notice before distribution changes may lead to debate among stakeholders. Proponents argue this is essential for patient safety and trust in medication handling, while opponents may voice concerns over increased costs and burdens on healthcare providers, who must navigate new protocols while maintaining high standards of care.