Pharmacy - Hospital-based Pharmacy

11.11.2019  | MassHealth Seeks to Expand Prior Authorizations
A new MassHealth policy that would require prior authorizations for more than 350 medical and diagnostic services is on hold for now.
06.10.2019  | HPC Recommends Rules on White-bagging, Brown-bagging
Last week, HPC staff presented recommendations for a legislatively mandated report on insurer-compelled “brown-bagging” and “white-bagging” of pharmaceuticals that is forthcoming later this month.
03.18.2019  | Hospitals on Board With 3.1% Benchmark – With Caveats
The Health Policy Commission in coming months is scheduled to decide on whether the state’s healthcare cost growth benchmark – currently set at 3.1% – should remain at that level.
01.21.2019  | Drug Prices are Spiraling Up and Affecting Hospital Care
The American Hospital Association released a report last week showing that total drug spending per hospital admission increased 18.5% between FYs 2015 and 2017.
12.10.2018  | New Rx Rules: Concerns About Unintended Consequences
The Board of Registration in Pharmacy’s much anticipated regulations on how a pharmacy can conduct sterile compounding will have unintended consequences that will increase costs and disrupt patient care.
11.12.2018  | New Guidance on Dispensing Tranquilizers
DPH recently released a notice outlining new requirements for providers prescribing benzodiazepines.
09.10.2018  | Hospitals File Suit to Halt 340B Cuts
AHA and other hospital interests filed suit in U.S. District Court to stop a nearly 30% reduction in Medicare payments to hospitals for purchase of outpatient drugs under the 340B program.
05.14.2018  | HPC Hears Concerns Over Insurers’ Pharmacy Mandates
MHA has informed the HPC about patient safety and cost considerations related to insurance companies’ drug policies.
03.26.2018  | New License Requirements for Pharmacy Trainees
The Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued some new, stricter rules for pharmacy technicians in training.
03.05.2018  | New Guidelines for Pharmacy Expansions
The Board of Registration in Pharmacy has issued a new application form for pharmacies considering expansions.
02.12.2018  | Supply Shortages Persist; Delegation Seeks Answers & Solutions
Hospitals are still reporting that they are low on IV bags, saline and emergency products.
01.15.2018  | A Shortage of IV Resources ... and Medications
There's been a nationwide shortage of IV fluids through injection bags since Hurricane Maria disrupted production facilities in Puerto Rico.
12.05.2017  | HB3239 An Act to Improve Access to and Reporting of Pharmacy Services in Hospitals
HB3239 An Act to Improve Access to and Reporting of Pharmacy Services in Hospitals
11.17.2015  | An Act to Improve Access to Pharmacy Services in Hospitals
The Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA), on behalf of its member hospitals and health systems, appreciates this opportunity to offer comments in strong support of HB1971 “An Act to Improve Access to Pharmacy Services in Hospitals.”

Resources

Click on the links below for easy access to important information related to state healthcare issues and advocacy.


Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts websites below to find information on legislative hearings and other meetings of interest to the healthcare community.


To guide your navigation of the legislative process and assist your advocacy efforts, please visit the following state websites: