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Other HIV-Related Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law permits the Department of Public Health to establish needle exchange programs, but unfortunately requires "local approval" for the siting of a program.

Questions & Answers (Accurate as of November 03, 2011)

Needle Exchange and Syringe Access

Am I able to purchase syringes at a pharmacy without a prescription?

Yes. In 2006, Massachusetts passed a law allowing for pharmacies to sell syringes over the counter to anyone who is 18 years of age or older and decriminalizing possession of needles.²¹

Does Massachusetts have needle exchange programs?

Yes. Massachusetts law permits the Department of Public Health to establish needle exchange programs, but unfortunately requires “local approval” for the siting of a program.²² To date, only Boston, Cambridge, Northampton, and Provincetown have needle exchange programs.

Footnotes

²¹ M. G. L. c. 94c §27-27A
²² M. G. L. c.111 §215