The following information is specific to Massachusetts and provides additional patient rights and protections under state law.

Patient Rights & Options Under Massachusetts Law

Partial prescription fills for certain controlled medications: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C, Section 22(c) (regarding partial fills of Schedule II medications), patients have the right to request partial fills of certain Schedule II prescriptions. While this law was created with pain management in mind, it reflects a statewide commitment to medication safety and patient empowerment that we support in our mental health practice. For psychiatric medications like stimulants, this means:

• Your choice: You can request to fill only part of your prescribed stimulant medication rather than the full amount

• How it works: You can fill the remainder of your prescription later, up to the total amount prescribed

• Benefits: Reduces medication in your home, lowers risk of theft or diversion, and gives you more control over your ADHD treatment

• Practical application: This might be useful when starting a new stimulant medication or when concerned about storage security

• No pressure: This is your choice - you are not required to use partial fills if you prefer to fill the complete prescription

Electronic Prescription Requirements

Massachusetts law (MGL Chapter 94C, Section 1, defining electronic prescribing requirements) defines specific requirements for electronic prescriptions:

• Enhanced security: Electronic prescriptions must meet federal requirements under the DEA's EPCS rules for controlled substances to prevent fraud and ensure accuracy

• Direct transmission: Prescriptions are sent directly from your healthcare provider to your pharmacy electronically

• Patient benefits: Reduces errors, prevents prescription tampering, and speeds up the pharmacy process

• What to expect: Your healthcare provider will send your prescription electronically rather than giving you a paper prescription for most controlled substances

Authorized Prescribers in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law (MGL Chapter 94C, Section 1, defining authorized practitioners) recognizes a broad range of healthcare providers who may prescribe controlled substances when appropriate for your care:

Medical Practitioners:

• Physicians (medical doctors) – [MD, DO, MBBS]

• Dentists [DDS, DMD]

• Veterinarians (for animal patients)

• Podiatrists (foot and ankle specialists)

Advanced Practice Providers:

• Nurse practitioners: Registered nurses with advanced training authorized to prescribe medications

• Nurse anesthetists: Specialized nurses who manage anesthesia and pain control

• Psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists: Advanced practice nurses specializing in mental health treatment

Specialized Providers:

• Optometrists: Eye care professionals authorized to prescribe certain therapeutic medications for eye conditions

• Physician assistants: Healthcare providers who work under physician supervision

• Institutional providers: Hospitals and healthcare facilities & Registered pharmacies (for dispensing)

Massachusetts Controlled Substance Scheduling

Massachusetts uses a dual system for classifying controlled substances (MGL Chapter 94C, Section 2, establishing state scheduling authority):

• Federal scheduling: Massachusetts incorporates the five federal schedules (I-V) described earlier in this document

• State classification system: Massachusetts also uses Classes A, B, C, D, and E that correspond to federal schedules

• Additional state schedule: Massachusetts includes a sixth schedule that covers prescription drugs not included in the first five federal schedules

What does this mean for patients:

• Your medications are regulated under both federal and state laws

• This dual system provides additional oversight and patient protections

• Healthcare providers must comply with both federal and Massachusetts requirements

• The scheduling helps ensure appropriate medical supervision for different types of medications

Massachusetts Patient Protections

Prescription Monitoring:

• Massachusetts maintains a prescription monitoring program to enhance patient safety

• Helps prevent dangerous drug interactions and ensures coordinated care

• Protects patients from receiving incompatible medications from different providers

Quality Assurance:

• State licensing and oversight of healthcare providers and pharmacies

• Regular inspection and monitoring of facilities that handle controlled substances

• Established procedures for reporting and addressing concerns about patient care

Legal Protection:

• Clear definitions of legitimate medical use versus non-medical use

• Protection for patients who use medications as prescribed for legitimate medical conditions

• Established procedures for healthcare providers to ensure appropriate prescribing

Resources and Support

If you have questions about your rights:

• Discuss concerns with your healthcare provider

• Contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for general information about controlled substance regulations

• Consult with your pharmacist about prescription options and requirements

If you need treatment for substance use concerns:

• Massachusetts offers various treatment resources and support programs

• Treatment for substance use disorder is considered healthcare, not a criminal matter

• Many insurance plans cover substance use disorder treatment

For prescription-related issues:

• Board of Registration in Pharmacy handles pharmacy-related concerns

• Board of Registration in Medicine addresses physician-related issues

• Your healthcare provider can help coordinate with appropriate state agencies if needed