H 4497
An Act ensuring access to specialty medications
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a system for licensing and regulating specialty pharmacies in Massachusetts. It defines a ‘specialty pharmacy’ and outlines requirements for their operation, including designating a pharmacist in charge, maintaining records, and complying with state regulations. The bill also aims to ensure that insurance carriers allow licensed pharmacies to dispense specialty medications and provide equal reimbursement terms.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘specialty pharmacy’ as a pharmacy dispensing specialty medications.
- Requires the establishment of a licensing procedure for specialty pharmacies.
- Designates a pharmacist in charge who is responsible for the pharmacy’s compliance.
- Mandates annual reporting to the board regarding pharmacy operations and compliance.
- Requires pharmacies operating outside of Massachusetts to obtain a specialty license before dispensing medications.
- Authorizes the Division of Insurance to create policies and regulations for specialty pharmacies.
- Specifies that insurance carriers must allow licensed pharmacies to dispense specialty drugs.
- Requires carriers to provide the same reimbursement terms to network pharmacies dispensing specialty drugs.
Who is affected
- Specialty pharmacies
- Pharmacists
- Insurance carriers
- Patients requiring specialty medications
- The Division of Insurance
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsor
Danillo A. Sena
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4497 194th (Current)
An Act ensuring access to specialty medications
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Financial Services Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.4497
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 9/18/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Financial Services |
| 9/18/2025 | House | New draft of H1322 |
| 9/18/2025 | House | Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing |
| 12/8/2025 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 3/19/2026 | House | Reporting date extended to Monday, June 15, 2026 |
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