MA Pharmacy Practice Resources & Guidance

Pharmacy Reporting Policy for Controlled Substance Loss or Theft

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued Policy 2026-01, updating procedures for licensed pharmacies and wholesalers to report confirmed losses or thefts of controlled substances. The policy requires reporting within 7 days of confirmed losses, including those from theft, pilferage, or diversion, regardless of quantity or schedule, and significant losses of Schedule VI substances.

Pharmacy Policy on Reporting Loss or Theft of Controlled Substances

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued Policy 2026-01, updating procedures for pharmacies and wholesalers to report confirmed losses or thefts of controlled substances. The policy requires reporting within 7 calendar days of discovery for all losses related to theft, pilferage, or diversion, regardless of quantity or schedule, and significant losses of Schedule II-VI substances.

Massachusetts Pharmacist Administration of Medications Guidance

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued guidance allowing pharmacists and pharmacy interns to administer additional medications, including testosterone for gender-affirming care, and treatments for HIV and STIs. This guidance replaces a previous version and provides details on eligibility and administration requirements.

Massachusetts Pharmacist Medication Administration Guidance Update

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a circular letter updating guidance on pharmacist medication administration. This update authorizes pharmacists to administer testosterone for gender-affirming care, and medications for the prevention and treatment of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, in addition to existing authorizations for mental illness and substance use disorder treatments.

Massachusetts: 90-day Supply for Certain Schedule II/III Prescriptions

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy updated its policy to allow a 90-day supply for certain Schedule II and III prescriptions, including those for opioid use disorder treatment, non-opioid stimulants, testosterone, and implantable infusion pumps. Other Schedule II and III medications remain limited to a 30-day supply.

MA Board Adopts Rapid Microbial Methods for Sterility Testing

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has adopted a new policy allowing the use of Rapid Microbial Methods (RMMs) as an alternative for sterility release testing of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs). This policy outlines requirements for licensed sterile compounding pharmacies to ensure public safety when using these advanced technologies.

Rapid Microbial Methods Sterility Testing Guidance

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued guidance on the use of Rapid Microbial Methods (RMMs) for sterility testing. This document outlines acceptable approaches and considerations for implementing RMMs in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.

Massachusetts Pharmacy Practice Definitions

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued a document defining key terms related to pharmacy practice. This guidance aims to clarify terminology for pharmacists and related entities operating within the state.

Pharmacy Policy: Definitions for Automated Dispensing, Compounding, and Events

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy has adopted Policy 2025-02, defining key terms related to automated dispensing devices, automated pharmacy systems, pharmacy processing automation, quality-related events, and serious adverse drug events. These definitions clarify regulatory expectations for pharmacies operating in the state.