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SD 2137

An Act authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Velis

Massachusetts bill authorizes pharmacists to administer opioid use disorder treatments like buprenorphine, expanding clinical access to addiction care in communities.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2137

Legislative bill overview

SD 2137 authorizes Massachusetts pharmacists to provide treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), expanding their clinical role beyond traditional medication dispensing. This would allow pharmacists to administer or dispense medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone, and potentially provide counseling and monitoring services for OUD patients.

Why is this important

Opioid addiction remains a significant public health crisis, and expanding access to OUD treatment through community pharmacists could reduce barriers to care—pharmacies are often more accessible and less stigmatized than specialty clinics. This approach is supported by evidence from other states and could help address treatment gaps, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and liability concerns: Questions about whether pharmacists have adequate training, oversight protocols, and malpractice liability frameworks for clinical decision-making in OUD treatment
  • Professional turf conflicts: Potential resistance from physicians, addiction specialists, or nurse practitioners who view this as encroachment on their scope of practice
  • Insurance and reimbursement: Unclear how pharmacist-provided OUD services would be reimbursed by insurance plans or Medicaid, which could limit practical implementation

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

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