A 658 New Jersey General Assembly · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Establishes certain protocols for prescribing and dispensing benzodiazepine.

This bill requires New Jersey healthcare providers to follow specific protocols when prescribing or dispensing benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium) and similar sleep medications (non-benzodiazepine hypnotics). It mandates that doctors and pharmacists provide patients with a cautionary pamphlet about risks like addiction, proper storage, and disposal, along with a signed consent form. Prescriptions for these medications cannot exceed four weeks without a documented medical exception, and labels must include bold warnings about dependence risks. The requirements apply to general practitioners and community pharmacies but exclude providers working in long-term care facilities. The Department of Health will develop detailed protocols, including guidance for safely tapering long-term use.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024 Last action Jan 9, 2024
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Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Sean Kean
Sean Kean
RRepublican
NJ
30