Tobacco Cessation & Prevention Program

The Commissioner of Public Health has issued a Standing Order for Dispensing Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Products (PDF) which means that you may be eligible for NRT products for the price of a co-pay. Your private insurance may cover this benefit; MassHealth does. The Standing Order authorizes licensed pharmacists to dispense medically appropriate NRT products to a person 18 years old or older with proper identification who requires the products in connection with smoking cessation or vaping cessation. The Standing Order applies to FDA-approved, OTC NRT products including gum, lozenges, and patches. Pharmacists are authorized to create a prescription with this Standing Order (PDF) using the manufacturer's FDA-approved dosing instructions.

View the guidelines memorandum (PDF).

Please contact the Board of Registration in Pharmacy at 800-414-0168 if your pharmacist is not aware of this Standing Order.

If you have a child under the age of 18 who might need help quitting, talk to their pediatrician about whether a prescription for one of these quit-smoking medicines is right for them.

Find more resources to help quit smoking or vaping.