Boston seeks longer notification period for pharmacy closures to stop gaps in care

Officials in Boston are attempting to protect residents’ access to health care and prescription medications by avoiding sudden, unexpected pharmacy closures.

Boston City Council unanimously approved a petition this week to extend the state’s minimum notification period when a pharmacy closes permanently from 14 days to 120 days.

The petition also calls for a new requirement for notification of the city or town government, rather than only the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy, as currently required.

“This effort arises from a growing pattern we’ve seen across Boston and the commonwealth of pharmacies closing with little notice, leaving vulnerable residents, too often Black and brown and poor, without access to essential medication, vaccinations or consultations,” Council P