Licenses sought for Mass.' first 10 MinuteClinics

A unit of CVS Caremark Corp. has applied for licenses to open retail medical clinics at its first 10 sites in Massachusetts.

The state recently adopted regulations to cover such clinics.

MinuteClinics said it hopes to open up to 30 clinics in the state by the end of the year.

The first 10 sites are in Ashland, Beverly, Bridgewater, Danvers, Medford, Medway, Stoughton, Taunton, Tewksbury, and Westford.

The clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants trained to provide customers with quick and inexpensive care for common illnesses.

Critics say the clinics could pose a conflict of interest, putting profits ahead of patients’ health. But supporters say they will help ease conditions at crowded emergency rooms.
(AP)