Before the Public Health Committee
H. 2012, "An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Childhood Vaccines Program" - MMS Support
The Massachusetts Medical Society would like to be recorded in support of H.2012, filed by Rep. Jason Lewis, (D-Winchester). H.2012 would establish a Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund to ensure that children 0-18 years of age receive all of the vaccines recommended by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and provide funding for the Massachusetts Immunization Registry.
Currently, an assessment is charged to Massachusetts insurers for the cost of state-supplied childhood vaccines which are purchased at a reduced price the state receives under the federal contract. This financing system has been successfully implemented via state budget language for the last three years, saving the Commonwealth approximately $49.5 million last year alone. H.2012 would make permanent this novel public-private financing mechanism. Also, due to lack of funding, Massachusetts is one of only 3 states without a fully operational registry. The immunization registry will create a statewide data repository of all immunizations that can interact via data exchange with electronic health records, generate cost savings by reducing waste associated with over-immunization and ensure timely administration of disease-preventing vaccines. H.2012 would not only guarantee that Massachusetts maintains one of the highest childhood vaccination rates in the country, but also save money because all childhood vaccines would be purchased at the federal discount rate (on average 40% less than if purchased by the private sector) and would be fully funded via an assessment on insurers.
S. 995, "An Act Authorizing Certain Pharmacy Interns to Administer Immunizations" - MMS Oppose
This bill, filed by Sen. Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester) would allow pharmacy interns, under the supervision of a pharmacist preceptor, to engage in the full range of activities conducted by a registered pharmacist. The bill would put into statute a definition of pharmacy intern different from the established process by which pharmacy interns are licensed by the Board of Pharmacy. This would appear to allow students in pharmacy schools to be considered interns but does not limit their actions to training settings. The Medical Society is opposed to this bill because there should not be two definitions of pharmacy intern in law, and it will blur the distinction between pharmacy students and interns.
S.1021, "An Act to Increase Access to Vaccines" - MMS Oppose
S.1021 would allow “qualified medical assistants” to administer controlled substances for vaccines and immunizations. The MMS feels strongly that unlicensed personnel should not be administering controlled substances for any reason, especially without the supervision of a licensed physician, which this bill does not require.
S.1044, "An Act Relative to Health Care Providers and First Responders Education" - MMS Oppose
This bill would require all physicians, as a condition of licensure, to demonstrate that he or she has received appropriate training and continuing education on HIV/AIDS counseling and testimony, the diagnosis and treatment of HIV disease and infection control and universal precautions. The MMS opposes this bill as widely broad, and could potentially jeopardize the licensure of physicians that may have little or no contact with patients, or interaction in any way relevant to HIV or AIDS. Also, the Board of Registration in Medicine and national certification boards already have robust licensure and certification requirements, including CME’s, as appropriate for the various physician specialties. No further statutory mandates are necessary.
