Physician Dispensing Allowed:
Yes, limited
Overview/Guidelines:
Prescription drugs that do not fall within Schedules II through V are considered to be Schedule VI controlled substances in Massachusetts. This is a special Massachusetts schedule. Physicians may dispense up to a 30-day supply of Schedule VI sample medications. Physicians must label all sample medications dispensed to patients. Physicians who provide samples of Schedule VI drugs to their patients are required to keep a record of such dispensing. Physicians when acting in good faith and when authorized can dispense a controlled substance in a single dose or in a quantity that is essential for the treatment of a patient. The amount or quantity of any controlled substance dispensed cannot exceed the quantity of a controlled substance necessary for the immediate and proper treatment of the patient until it is possible for the patient to have a prescription filled by a pharmacy.
License/Registration Form:
Massachusetts Application for Controlled Substance Registration
Useful Links:
- Massachusetts Prescribing Practices Policy & Guidelines
- Massachusetts Statutes: Administering and Dispensing of Controlled Substances in Course of Professional Practice
- Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration Website
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Mailing Address:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Professions Licensure Drug Control Program
239 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114
Phone (617) 973-0949
Fax (617) 753-8233