Mass. Gov. proposes new compounding pharmacy rules

BOSTON (AP) Gov. Deval Patrick on Friday proposed tighter regulations on sterile compounding pharmacies following a deadly nationwide meningitis outbreak linked to a Massachusetts company.

The proposal comes as the New England Compounding Center is trying to place blame for the outbreak on a cleaning contractor that provided once-a-month services to NECCs cleanroom facilities.

The outbreak linked to NECC has been blamed for 39 deaths and hundreds of illnesses nationwide.

Patrick said hes filing a bill that would require compounding pharmacies to obtain a special state license that he said would make it easier for regulators to hold them accountable. The bill would also create whistleblower protections for pharmacy workers and enforce new fines and penalties for compounding pharmacies that break the rules.

There is, of course, no action that we in government can take to prevent all abuses in all industries, but we must do what we can, Patrick said.

Patricks bill would also require that out-of-state pharmacies that deliver and dispense medications in Massachusetts also obtain a state license.

Pharmacies and pharmacists would also have to report to an overhauled 11-member state oversight board whenever they are the subject of any disciplinary action by other state or federal agency, under the bill.

The Colorado pharmacy board had complained about the New England Compounding Center in July, before the third of three batches of tainted steroids tied to the outbreak was shipped in August, but the Massachusetts pharmacy boards director and attorney didnt notify leadership at the Department of Public Health.

Patrick said the change would enable the oversight board to know when issues arise with Massachusetts pharmacies doing business outside of our state. Patrick also wants to hire more inspectors to keep an eye on the industry.

Patricks recommendation came as NECC sent a letter to UniFirst Corp., demanding it take legal responsibility for claims against the compounding center related to the outbreak.

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Mass. Gov. proposes new compounding pharmacy rules