Understanding the Copyright and Licensing of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS)

The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), developed by Dr. Donald Morisky, is a globally recognized tool for assessing medication adherence in research and clinical settings. Available in two versions, the MMAS-4 and MMAS-8, these scales are widely used to evaluate patient adherence to prescribed medication regimens. However, it is critical to emphasize that both versions of the MMAS are protected by copyright owned exclusively by Dr. Donald Morisky.
Copyright Protection
The MMAS-4 and MMAS-8 are proprietary instruments, and their use is strictly regulated under copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of these scales—whether in print, digital, or any other format—without explicit permission from Dr. Morisky constitutes a violation of intellectual property rights.
Licensing Requirements
Researchers, clinicians, and organizations seeking to use the MMAS in any capacity, including academic research, clinical practice, or digital applications, must obtain a valid license directly from Dr. Donald Morisky or his designated licensing agent. This requirement applies to all uses, including but not limited to:
• Academic and clinical research studies
• Integration into electronic health records or digital health platforms
• Use in clinical trials or healthcare interventions
• Educational or training purposes
To ensure compliance, users must secure a signed license agreement from Dr. Morisky. Any license or agreement that does not bear Dr. Morisky’s signature is invalid and does not grant permission for use.
Why Licensing Matters
Obtaining a proper license ensures that users are adhering to legal and ethical standards while supporting the continued development and validation of the MMAS. The licensing process also provides access to the most current and validated versions of the scale, ensuring accuracy and reliability in your work.
Avoiding Unauthorized Use
Unfortunately, there have been instances of entities falsely claiming ownership or authorization to distribute the MMAS. To protect the integrity of your research or clinical practice, we strongly advise verifying the authenticity of any MMAS-related materials or agreements. Only licenses signed by Dr. Donald Morisky are legitimate.
How to Obtain a License
To request permission or inquire about licensing the MMAS-4 or MMAS-8, please contact Dr. Donald Morisky or his designated licensing agent directly. Ensure that all agreements are formalized in writing and signed by Dr. Morisky to avoid any legal or ethical issues.