Massachusetts lawmakers are currently considering a bill to open up health screenings across the state. This bill, S 2567, would establish a statewide protocol for pharmacists to test or screen (and initiate treatment) for qualified health conditions, like influenza, COVID-19, and HIV. In effect, S 2567 would allow pharmacies to obtain CLIA waivers to expand on the types of health screening tests they currently offer. Then, it would allow pharmacists to administer, process, read and report the results, and treat conditions with appropriate therapies. S 2567 is in the early stages of its development and is expected to be heard by the House and Senate soon.

The state of Massachusetts ruled that all prescriptions for controlled substances and medical devices must be issued electronically, with only a few exceptions. ePrescribing allows for greater patient oversight from both physicians pharmacists and minimizes the risk of substance abuse. The law went into effect on January 1, 2021.