| Date: | 12/18/2019 |
|---|---|
| Organization: | Board of Registration in Pharmacy |
| Referenced Sources: | 2019 Tobacco Control Law |
To: Massachusetts Pharmacists and Pharmacies
From: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
- This page, Update to the dispensing of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products , is offered by
- Department of Public Health
- Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Memorandum
Memorandum Update to the dispensing of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products
Table of Contents
RE: UPDATE to the dispensing of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products
On November 27, 2019, Governor Charles D. Baker signed An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control into law. The Governor’s prior declaration banning the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products ended on December 11, 2019. As a result, the statewide Standing Order for NRT products is no longer in effect.
Although the Standing Order is no longer valid, pharmacists are encouraged to assist patients in their smoking cessation efforts by recommending NRT products either over-the-counter or by prescription. In order to provide NRT products by prescription, pharmacists must contact each patient’s healthcare provider for a patient-specific prescription. The pharmacy should make a reasonable effort to determine if the patient’s insurance covers the selected NRT product.
Pharmacists can play a vital role in providing counseling and important information on smoking cessation to patients. Patients should be encouraged to access available information through the Massachusetts Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
For additional information, see: mass.gov/newtobaccolaw