50-State Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licensing Compliance Guide
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Massachusetts Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licensing

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Licensing requirements for Massachusetts healthcare and pharmaceutical companies and individuals.

This page provides an overview of healthcare and pharmaceutical industry licensing in Massachusetts for individuals and businesses. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

Massachusetts Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Company Licenses

Massachusetts Complex Non-Sterile Compounding Pharmacy License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Notes:

Foreign Qualification is only required for resident pharmacies. 

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:

Every Resident and Non-Resident Pharmacy must have at least one Massachusetts-licensed Pharmacist. For non-resident pharmacies, the Massachusetts-licensed pharmacist doesn't need to be the pharmacist in charge of that facility, but rather the designated pharmacist responsible for assuming non-resident pharmacy compliance with all Massachusetts laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of pharmacy. 

Initial Registration
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $2,900 complex non-sterile compounding license fee + $750 retail pharmacy fee (resident pharmacies)
  • $1,625 complex non-sterile compounding license fee + $825 retail pharmacy fee (non-resident pharmacies)
Required Attachments:
  • Business Entity Summary (resident pharmacies only)
  • Approval from the facility licensing body if choosing to locate within a healthcare facility (resident pharmacies only)
  • Waiver Petition, if applicable
  • Inspection Report (non-resident pharmacies only)
  • Documentation plan of correction, if applicable (non-resident pharmacies only)
  • Attestation of Intent to Conduct Complex Non-Sterile Compounding
  • Certified Blueprint
  • Descriptive Narrative of the HVAC System
  • Review DRAFT non-sterile compounding regulations and Board's non-sterile compounding policy
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $2,900 complex non-sterile compounding license fee + $750 retail pharmacy fee (resident pharmacies)
  • $1,625 complex non-sterile compounding license fee + $825 retail pharmacy fee (non-resident pharmacies)
Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years. 

Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Registration Renewal
Agency Fee:

$225

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Ambulance

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Ambulance MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal
Form:

Ambulance MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Analytical Labs

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Analytical Labs MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal
Form:

Analytical Labs MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Clinic

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Clinic MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal
Form:

Clinic MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Hospital

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Hospital MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal
Form:

Hospital MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Limited Services Clinic

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Limited Services Clinic MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal
Form:

Limited Services Clinic MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Manufacturer and Distributor

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Manufacturer and Distributor MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal
Form:

Manufacturer and Distributor MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Schools

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Schools MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal
Form:

Schools MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Virtual Manufacturers and Virtual Distributors

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Automatic Exemption
Notes:

If you are a manufacturer and/or a distributor outside of Massachusetts and your company does not manufacture, dispense or distribute a controlled substance within the Commonwealth, or possess a controlled substance in the Commonwealth for such purposes your company does not need, and has no basis for obtaining, a controlled substances registration from Massachusetts.

 

Thus, for example, a manufacturer or distributor of a prescription pharmaceutical is not required to register if manufacture, storage and distribution of the pharmaceutical is handled from outside the state and the only activity within Massachusetts is direct delivery to a registered entity in the state.

Registration Renewal
Form:

Virtual Manufactures and Virtual Distributors MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Non-Resident Outsourcing Facility License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Initial Registration
Form:

Pharmacy Outsourcing Facility Application

Agency Fee:

$750

Notarization Required?:Required
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$750

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Massachusetts Nuclear Pharmacy License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Initial Registration
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$750

Notarization Required?:Required
Required Attachments:
  • Business Entity Summary
  • Approval from the facility's licensing body (if located within any healthcare facility)
  • Waiver Petition, if applicable
  • Copy of DPH Radiation Control Program License
  • Certified Blueprint
  • Descriptive narrative of HVAC system
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$750

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Massachusetts Pharmaceutical Device Manufacturer Registration

Agency:Massachusetts Drug Control Program
Registration Renewal
Form:

Pharmaceutical Code of Conduct - Registration Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$2,000

Due:

Annually by July 1.

Massachusetts Resident Outsourcing Facility License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Initial Registration
Form:

Pharmacy Outsourcing Facility Application

Agency Fee:

$750

Notarization Required?:Required
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$750

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Massachusetts Retail Pharmacy License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Notes:

Foreign Qualification is only required for resident pharmacies. 

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:

Every Resident and Non-Resident Pharmacy must have at least one Massachusetts-licensed Pharmacist. For non-resident pharmacies, the Massachusetts-licensed pharmacist doesn't need to be the pharmacist in charge of that facility, but rather the designated pharmacist responsible for assuming non-resident pharmacy compliance with all Massachusetts laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of pharmacy. 

Initial Registration
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $750 (resident pharmacies)
  • $825 (non-resident pharmacies)
Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required
Required Attachments:
  • Business Entity Summary (resident pharmacies only)
  • Blueprint or architectural drawing (resident pharmacies only)
  • Approval from the facility licensing body if choosing to locate within a healthcare facility (resident pharmacies only)
  • Waiver Petition, if applicable
  • Inspection Report (non-resident pharmacies only)
  • Documentation plan of correction, if applicable (non-resident pharmacies only)
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $750 (resident pharmacies)
  • $825 (non-resident pharmacies)
Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Massachusetts Sterile Compounding Pharmacy License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Notes:

Foreign Qualification is only required for resident pharmacies.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:

Every Resident and Non-Resident Pharmacy must have at least one Massachusetts-licensed Pharmacist. For non-resident pharmacies, the Massachusetts-licensed pharmacist doesn't need to be the pharmacist in charge of that facility, but rather the designated pharmacist responsible for assuming non-resident pharmacy compliance with all Massachusetts laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of pharmacy. 

Initial Registration
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $4,525 sterile compounding license fee + $750 retail pharmacy license fee (resident pharmacies)
  • $1,825 sterile compounding license fee + $825 retail pharmacy license fee (non-resident pharmacies)
Required Attachments:
  • Business Entity Summary (resident pharmacies only)
  • Approval from the facility licensing body if choosing to locate within a healthcare facility (resident pharmacies only)
  • Waiver Petition, if applicable
  • Inspection Report (non-resident pharmacies only)
  • Documentation plan of correction, if applicable (non-resident pharmacies only)
  • Attestation of Intent to Conduct Sterile Compounding
  • Certified Blueprint
  • Descriptive of Narrative of HVAC system
  • Compliance Checklist for DRAFT sterile compounding regulations
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:
  • $4,525 sterile compounding license fee + $750 retail pharmacy license fee (resident pharmacies)
  • $1,825 sterile compounding license fee + $825 retail pharmacy license fee (non-resident pharmacies)
Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years. 

Massachusetts Wholesale Distributor License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Initial Registration
Form:

Application for Licensure as a Wholesale Distributor

Agency Fee:

$900

Notarization Required?:Required
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$900

Due:

Annually by November 30.

Individual Licenses

Massachusetts Individual Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licenses

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Certified Nurse Practitioner

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Certified Nurse-Midwife

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Dentist

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Physicians or Dentists Initial MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Limited License Dental Intern and Limited License Faculty

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Registration Renewal
Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Optometrist

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Optometrist MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal
Form:

Optometrist MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Pharmacist

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Physician

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Physicians or Dentists Initial MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Physician Assistant

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Podiatrist

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Podiatrist MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal
Form:

Podiatrist MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Researcher

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Researcher MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal
Form:

Researcher MCSR Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) - Veterinarian

Agency:Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure - Controlled Substances Registration Section
Initial Registration
Form:

Veterinarian MCSR Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal
Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Massachusetts Nuclear Pharmacist License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

By December 31 of even-numbered years.

Massachusetts Pharmacist License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Initial Registration
Form:

Pharmacist Application by Exam

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$421

Original Ink:Not required
Reciprocal Registration
Form:

Pharmacist Application by Reciprocity

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$525

Original Ink:Not required
Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Biennially, by December 31st of even-numbered years.

Original Ink:Not required

Massachusetts Pharmacy Intern License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Initial Registration
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$95

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Intern licenses are valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed.

Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician in Training License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Initial Registration
Form:

Pharmacy Technician in Training Application

Agency Fee:

$0

Notarization Required?:Required
Renewal Not Required

Not required



Technician in training licenses are valid for one year and can be extended but not renewed.

Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License

Agency:Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Initial Registration
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

Biennially by the licensee's date of birth.

Learn about healthcare and pharmaceutical licensing in other states:

Controlled Substance Registration - In addition to a pharmacy license, controlled substance registration registration is required in many states for pharmacies that distribute controlled substances.

NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) - Host a variety of programs and resources relating to pharmacist and pharmacy licensure and examination.

Pharmacist in Charge - A licensed pharmacist designated by a pharmacy to act as the party responsible for compliance with regulations.

VPP (Verified Pharmacy Program) - A program run by NABP that allows state boards to share information and more easily register out-of-state pharmacies.

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