MASSACHUSETTS WILL REQUIRE "NO SUBSTITUTION" STATEMENT IN WRITING

Executive Summary

MASSACHUSETTS WILL REQUIRE "NO SUBSTITUTION" STATEMENT IN WRITING as of Nov. 1, in order for a physician to preclude generic substitution. Under the Massachusetts state law entitled "Increasing the Availability of Generic Drugs," a one-line substitution form will replace a two-line form permitting a choice between "dispense as written" or "interchange." Massachusetts prescription pads, after Nov. 1, will have to carry the statement: "Interchange is mandated unless the practitioner writes the words 'no substitution' in this space." The new state law makes Massachusetts the 26th state with a one-line prescription pad format. Other states with legislation mandating the format are Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky and Vermont. The majority of the 26 states with one-line forms, including California, Michigan, Ohio and the District of Columbia, have laws permitting the format. The Massachusetts legislation was enacted on Dec. 16, 1985. It is part of Chapter 582 of the state Acts of 1985. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the two lobbying groups pushing for the change were Mass PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) and the Legislative Council of Older Americans.