HOUSE . . . . . . . . No. 4962
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, June 30, 2022.
The committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2117) of Paul McMurtry and others relative to benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, reports recommending that the accompanying bill (House, No. 4962) ought to pass.
For the committee,
ADRIAN C. MADARO.
FILED ON: 6/29/2022
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 4962
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Second General Court
(2021-2022)
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An Act relative to benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 1 of chapter 94C of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Agent” the following definition:-
“Benzodiazepine”, any substance or drug which contains a benzene ring fused to a 7- member diazepine ring, results in the depression of the central nervous system and is primarily intended to treat insomnia, convulsions and anxiety, and used for muscle relaxation and preoperative treatment.
SECTION 2. Said section 1 of said chapter 94C, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Narcotic drug” the following definition:-
“Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic”, any substance or drug which produces effects similar to that of a benzodiazepine as determined by the commissioner.
SECTION 3. The first paragraph of section 21 of said chapter 94C, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:-
A pharmacist filling a written, electronic or oral prescription for a benzodiazepine or a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic prescription shall affix to the container a label that includes a clear, concise warning of the risks associated with misuse, abuse, dependency and long-term use.