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H 4014

An Act authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carmine Gentile

H 4014 authorizes Massachusetts pharmacists to prescribe and administer opioid addiction medications like buprenorphine, expanding treatment access but raising questions about training, oversight, and care coordination.

Accompanied a study order, see H5210
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Bill Summary · H 4014

Legislative bill overview

H 4014 authorizes Massachusetts pharmacists to directly provide opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, including prescribing and administering medications like buprenorphine and methadone. This expands pharmacists' clinical role beyond their traditional dispensing function to include patient assessment, treatment initiation, and ongoing management of OUD.

Why is this important

Opioid addiction remains a significant public health crisis, and expanding treatment access is critical—pharmacists are already accessible in communities and could reduce barriers to care. However, this represents a substantial shift in scope of practice that affects patient safety protocols, liability frameworks, and coordination with existing addiction treatment infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Clinical training and qualifications: Whether pharmacists require addiction medicine certifications or specialized OUD training beyond standard pharmacy licensing
  • Prescribing authority limitations: Questions about which medications pharmacists can provide, dosage ranges, and whether independent prescribing or physician oversight is required
  • Insurance and reimbursement: Whether insurance plans will cover pharmacist-provided OUD treatment and at what rates, affecting program viability and equity
  • Care coordination concerns: How pharmacists will integrate with existing treatment programs, mental health services, and medical providers to ensure comprehensive care rather than fragmented treatment
  • Liability and accountability: Who bears responsibility for treatment outcomes and adverse events under this expanded scope

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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