New regulations are in place authorizing Maryland pharmacists to administer long-acting injectables.  This is the culmination of sustained efforts by the MPS and other groups.  During the 2021 General Assembly Delegate Young and Senator Young introduced a bill to authorize a pharmacist to administer maintenance injectable medications to a patient under certain circumstances.  It also required regulations to be issued for this purpose. The bill required certain carriers to cover administering certain self–administered medications and maintenance injectable medications rendered by a licensed pharmacist to the same extent as the services rendered by other licensed health care practitioners.  The MPS Legislative Committee supported the bill, as many patients would benefit from better access to long-acting maintenance medications that treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder.

On May 24, 2022, the Secretary of Health adopted new Regulations .01—.07 under a new chapter, COMAR 10.34.41 Administration of a Maintenance Injectable Medication.  [Insert “10.34.41” in the search box.]  Effective Date: June 13, 2022.