Massachusetts § 39 - Registration; permits; fees; rendering of final decision; establishment of specialty pharmacy licensure categories
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 39 — Registration; permits; fees; rendering of final decision; establishment of specialty pharmacy licensure categories, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39. Registration; permits; fees; rendering of final decision; establishment of specialty pharmacy licensure categories
Section 39. The board may, upon application made in such manner and form as it shall determine, register a store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department for the transaction of the retail drug business, and issue to such person as it deems qualified to conduct such store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department, a permit to keep it open; provided, however, that the board may deny such registration and refuse to issue such permit if, in its reasonable discretion, such store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department would be inconsistent with or opposed to the best interests of the public health, welfare or safety, but no such registration shall be made or permit issued in the case of a corporation unless it shall appear to the satisfaction of the board that the management of such drug store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department is in the hands of a registered pharmacist. Such permit shall expire on December thirty-first of each uneven numbered year following the date of its issue, and the fee therefor shall be determined annually by the commissioner of administration under the provision of section three B of chapter seven.
The board shall, within one hundred and fifty days after the filing of an application render a final decision denying or allowing registration. For the purposes of this section and section thirty-eight the term retail food store pharmacy department shall mean any area for the transaction of the retail drug business which is located within a retail food store.
The board may establish specialty pharmacy licensure categories beyond those delineated in this section, and in sections 39A to 39C, inclusive, and in sections 39G to 39J, inclusive, through the promulgation of regulations as deemed necessary by the board in consultation with the commissioner of public health. The board shall determine which regulations, applicable to a retail drug business registered pursuant to section 39, shall apply to a pharmacy registered pursuant to this section and may establish regulations that shall only apply to a licensure category established pursuant to this paragraph. The licensure fee shall be determined annually by the secretary of administration and finance under section 3B of chapter 7.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 39
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 39 cover?
Section 39 ("Registration; permits; fees; rendering of final decision; establishment of specialty pharmacy licensure categories") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 39?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 39" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 39 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.