Community Corner

State Lawmakers Introduce Stricter Pharmacy Regulations

The law is in response to a nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak that was linked to a Framingham pharmacy.

By Jake O'Donnell

Beacon Hill lawmakers have introduced a new bill with stricter regulations for state compounding pharmacies following a nationwide meningitis outbreak that killed dozens was linked to a Framingham pharmacy, according to an Associated Press story published by the Boston Herald.

Unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies, new reporting requirements and whistleblower protections are part of the bill, according to the AP.

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State Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez of Boston told the AP the new bill sets "high standards in quality control and sterility."

More than 700 people across America developed fungal meningitis, suffered strokes and were diagnosed with spinal and peripheral joint infections after being injected with a steroid pain medication produced at Framingham-based New England Compounding Center.

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NECC has since closed. According to the AP, the death toll from the outbreak was 61. They also reported that the company's facility was found to have unsanitary conditions upon inspection last year. 

 


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