Community Corner
Lawmakers Respond to Meningitis Outbreak with New Bill
The new bill is in response to nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak that was linked to a Framingham pharmacy.
By Jake O'Donnell
Beacon Hill lawmakers have introduced a new bill with stricter regulations for state compounding pharmacies following a nationwide meningitis outbreak that killed dozens was linked to a Framingham pharmacy, according to an Associated Press story published by the Boston Herald.
Find out what's happening in Brooklinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Unannounced inspections of compounding pharmacies, new reporting requirements and whistleblower protections are part of the bill, according to the AP.
State Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez of Boston told the AP the new bill sets "high standards in quality control and sterility."
More than 700 people across America after being injected with a steroid pain medication produced at Framingham-based New England Compounding Center developed fungal meningitis, suffered strokes and were diagnosed with spinal and peripheral joint infections.
NECC has since closed. According to the AP, the death toll from the outbreak was 61. They also reported the company's facility was found to have unsanitary conditions upon inspection last year.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
