*** BREAKING NEWS ***
Pharmacists are now authorized to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives without the requirement of evidence of a previous prescription, effective immediately. Earlier this month, the Public Health Council approved an emergency amendment to 105 CMR 700.000 — Implementation of M.G.L. c. 94C to create a more accessible and expedited process for persons to obtain hormonal contraceptives. The proposed amendment was drafted in consultation with the Board of Registration in Medicine, Board of Registration in Pharmacy, and MassHealth, and in consideration of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. The regulation implements MGL chapter 94C section 194, as passed in the fiscal year 2024 state budget.