Governor OKs changes to compounding pharmacy rules in Massachusetts, origin of tainted drugs

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a law overhauling state oversight of compounding pharmacies.

The measure had been in the works for nearly two years, since a nationwide meningitis outbreak linked to the now-closed New England Compounding Center in Framingham. A tainted steroid produced by the company was blamed for 64 deaths and hundreds of illnesses.

Patrick said in signing the bill on Thursday that it will help clear up "gray areas" in state regulation of compounding pharmacies that typically mix customized medications.

Officials say the bill includes new requirements for licensing, labeling and education. It also increases fines against pharmacies to up to $25,000 per violation, with an additional $1,000 for each day a violation continues after it was supposed to be corrected.