This bill (S 2298) requires internet pharmacies to obtain a New Jersey permit before delivering prescription drugs to New Jersey residents, with exceptions for pharmacies certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Permits mandate US headquarters, state licensing proof, pharmacist details, and annual renewal. Pharmacies must provide toll-free pharmacist consultations (48 hours/week), maintain patient records, and ensure prescriptions are transmitted electronically or by facsimile. The law also prohibits pharmacies from waiving New Jersey’s laws, court jurisdiction, or liability protections for prescription services. It applies directly to internet pharmacies serving New Jersey patients and aims to enhance safety and accountability.
This bill prohibits health insurance carriers (like major insurance companies) from obtaining or renewing licenses to operate as pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). PBMs are entities that manage prescription drug programs for insurers, and this law specifically blocks insurers from holding these licenses. The bill amends existing licensing rules to require PBMs to meet strict standards for conflicts of interest, anti-competitive practices, and consumer protection, but explicitly bars health insurance carriers from applying for or maintaining such licenses. It does not affect existing PBM licenses held by non-insurer entities.
S 2891 prohibits drug manufacturers, pharmacies, wholesalers, and healthcare providers from using devices, kiosks, or systems to steer patients to specific pharmacies or restrict their pharmacy choice when dispensing prescription drugs or samples. It requires explicit patient consent before transmitting personal health information to a particular pharmacy, with full disclosure of the patient’s right to choose their pharmacy or decline sharing information. Violations carry significant penalties: $100,000+ for companies per violation and $250+ for healthcare providers. The bill directly affects patients (by protecting their pharmacy choice), healthcare practitioners, and pharmaceutical entities. It aims to prevent restrictive marketing practices without altering existing authority for prescribing drugs.
This bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to create a single, standardized form for network providers (like doctors and pharmacies) to request prior authorization for prescription drug coverage. Payers (insurance companies) must accept this standard form in both paper and electronic formats for all prescription drug benefit requests. The law directly affects providers needing authorization and payers handling those requests, replacing inconsistent forms with a uniform system. It aims to simplify the process for healthcare providers seeking insurance coverage approval for medications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to maintain an emergency insulin stockpile with the 10 most common insulin types used by residents, reevaluated quarterly. It creates a program to provide one emergency 30-day insulin supply per year at cost to residents whose supply runs out before their next prescription, with reimbursement options from health plans. The bill also updates insurance coverage requirements to mandate benefits for one emergency insulin supply annually under health plans. It applies directly to New Jersey residents facing insulin shortages and establishes clear limits on emergency dispensing to prevent overuse.
This bill requires pharmacies in New Jersey to give local municipalities 90 days' written notice before closing, in addition to existing state and federal notifications. It directly affects all licensed pharmacies and the municipalities where they operate. The key provision mandates written notice to the local governing board 90 days prior to closure, ensuring communities have advance warning. The State Board of Pharmacy must create implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill prohibits pharmacies and businesses with pharmacies on their premises from selling tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) or electronic smoking devices (like e-cigarettes, vapes, and their parts). It directly affects pharmacy operators and retail businesses hosting pharmacies, while exempting FDA-approved smoking cessation products and medical cannabis dispensaries for registered patients. Violations carry escalating fines ($250 for first offense, $500 for second, $1,000 for third+), with potential disciplinary action from the Board of Pharmacy. The prohibition does not apply to department stores or food retailers (defined as stores where groceries make up ≥65% of sales), which may still operate pharmacies on their premises.
This bill limits out-of-pocket costs for asthma inhalers under New Jersey health insurance plans. It requires hospital, medical, and health service plans sold in the state to cover prescribed asthma inhalers with no deductible and capping copayments or coinsurance at $35 per 30-day supply. The law applies to all covered individuals who receive a prescription from a participating doctor or nurse practitioner. Plans may offer lower costs but cannot exceed the $35 limit for this specific coverage.
This bill prohibits health insurers, pharmacy benefits managers, and state health programs from requiring pre-approval or precertification for cancer-related treatments, tests, procedures, or prescription drugs covered under health or prescription drug plans. It directly affects cancer patients and their licensed healthcare providers by ensuring these covered services are paid for without insurance company delays when prescribed for a diagnosed cancer patient. Key provisions ban pre-approval requirements for any covered cancer treatment, test, procedure, or drug under state health plans, state employee health programs, and private insurance. The law applies immediately to all health plans issued or purchased after enactment.
This Senate Resolution (SR 32) urges New Jersey's State Boards of Medical Examiners, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy to require ongoing training for healthcare professionals on opioid pain medication. The resolution specifically calls for continuing education covering responsible prescribing practices, non-opioid pain management alternatives, and recognizing signs of opioid misuse or addiction. It applies to all prescribers (like doctors, dentists, pharmacists) and relevant non-prescribers (such as nurses) who interact with patients on opioids. The resolution is non-binding and recommends these requirements remain in effect for two license renewal cycles, unless extended by the boards.
