An Act relative to pharmacy deserts

HD 896 requires Massachusetts' Office of Health Resource Planning to assess pharmacy access across the state, specifically identifying "pharmacy deserts" defined as areas with limited access due to geographic distance (e.g., >1 mile in urban areas), excessive travel time (15+ min by car, 30+ min by transit), or transportation barriers. The office must analyze the impact of these deserts on medication access, health outcomes, healthcare costs (including ER visits), and pharmacy closures, while identifying affected neighborhoods and populations. By September 1, 2026, the office must submit a detailed report to state legislative committees and health agencies, including policy recommendations to address existing deserts and prevent new ones. This bill is procedural, focusing on data collection and analysis to inform future policy decisions, not on immediate regulatory changes.