Pubdate: Fri, 15 Sep 2006
Source: Republican, The (Springfield, MA)
Copyright: 2006 The Republican
Contact:  http://www.masslive.com/republican/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3075
Author: Dan Ring
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?143 (Hepatitis)

SYRINGES GO ON SALE MONDAY

BOSTON - Hypodermic syringes are scheduled to be for sale without a 
prescription on Monday in Massachusetts under a controversial new law 
that passed over the objections of Gov. W. Mitt Romney.

Donna E. Rheaume, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public 
Health, said the law allows pharmacies to sell the syringes without a 
prescription, but pharmacies are not required to participate in the 
law. She said the law goes into effect on Monday.

Rheaume said the state Department of Public Health is developing an 
educational pamphlet for distribution to people who buy needles 
without a prescription. Rheaume said the pamphlets would be available 
at drug stores on Monday.

Pharmacies cannot allow over-the-counter sales of syringes unless 
they have the educational materials, said Michael DeAngelis, a 
spokesman for CVS Pharmacy. The law requires stores to distribute the 
state-approved pamphlets with any sales of syringes, he said.

"We do plan on participating in allowing over-the-counter sales of 
syringes without a prescription," said DeAngelis, whose company has 
300 CVS stores in Massachusetts. "We do sell syringes without a 
prescription in other states where it is allowed."

Rheaume said the pamphlet will be in pharmacies by Monday and on the 
department's Internet site. It will include instructions on proper 
use of syringes, safe disposal and a toll-free hotline for referrals 
for treatment of substance abuse, AIDS and hepatitis C.

The department is also preparing a list of collection centers for 
disposal of dirty needles. The law allows collection centers, 
including containers, to be in medical facilities, pharmacies and 
municipal buildings such as police and fire stations.

The law passed July 13 when the state Senate and the House voted to 
override Romney's veto of the bill on June 30.

The law allows sale of syringes without a prescription to people 18 and older.

Romney and Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey have said the law could encourage 
illegal drug use and hurt public safety.

Advocates have said the law could provide more clean needles and 
limit the spread of diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis C.