MAP Flexibilities - Recent Updates and Pending Regulations

January 5, 2023

The Department of Public Health shared an update on the MAP COVID-19 flexibilities and pending regulations:  

On November 14, 2022, the Commissioner of Public Health signed COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-20, continuing the authorization for unlicensed staff who are not MAP Certified (non-MAP Certified staff) to possess and administer prepackaged medications to individuals in MAP Registered Community Programs.  
 

On December 30, 2022, the Commissioner of Public Health signed COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-22, delaying until February 15, 2023 the rescission of the authorization for non-MAP Certified staff to use of rescue inhalers and epinephrine autoinjectors in community programs. 
 

The following orders and updated guidance attached below are also available on the mass.gov website.

Order of the Commissioner of Public Health (COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-20) 

• Prepackaged Medication Administration by Non-MAP Certified staff in Registered Community Programs – Guidance 
• Please note: the above revised guidance will replace the following two documents, which will be removed from the webpage: 
  • Prepackaged Medication Administration by Non-MAP Certified staff in Registered Community Programs (PDF) | (DOCX) 
  • Reporting Form and Requirements: Prepackaged Medication Administration by Non-MAP-Certified Staff in Registered Community Programs (PDF) | (DOCX) 

Order of the Commissioner of Public Health COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-22 

• Use of Rescue Inhalers and Epinephrine Autoinjectors in Community Programs - Guidance  

All other flexibilities will expire on December 31, 2022, including: 

• COVID-19 – Reinstatement of Expired/Lapsed MAP Certifications 
• COVID-19 – Insulin Pen Administration by MAP Certified Staff via Telehealth 
• COVID-19 – LOA Medication Supply Expansion – extension

The proposed amendments to 105 CMR 700 include new provisions authorizing trained non-MAP Certified staff to administer rescue medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors, rescue inhalers and naloxone in emergency situations. We anticipate promulgation in January 2023, which will alleviate the need for a Public Health Emergency Order.   

Waiver opportunities may be available upon application and review.

Please contact map.dcp@mass.gov with questions