NJPhA Legislative Alert
By Laurie A. Clark – NJPhA Legislative Counsel
January 19, 2012
Two notable measures were signed in the final days of the 214th Legislative Session. We are now in the 215th Legislative Session which will last until early January of 2014. As the implementation dates of these two new laws approaches we will provide you with more detailed information.
LEGISLATION PERMITTING THE SALE OF SYRINGES
WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION SIGNED INTO LAW
Legislation, (S-958), sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg that allows pharmacies in New Jersey to sell hypodermic syringes and needles without a prescription was signed into law on January 17 by Governor Chris Christie.
The law permits licensed pharmacies to sell hypodermic needles and syringes, as well as other instruments adapted for the administration of drugs by injection, to individuals without a prescription in the Garden State. The law amends current law so that individuals are allowed to possess a hypodermic syringe or a needle without a prescription.
Under the provisions of the law, a person will have to be over 18 years old to purchase sterile needles in a pharmacy, and will be limited to 10 or fewer needles per purchase. The supply of needles will be kept behind the sales counter, and pharmacists will, at the time of sale, provide patients with information provided to pharmacies by the Department of Health and Senior Services concerning the safe disposal of needles, including local disposal locations or a telephone to call for that information, and information concerning substance abuse treatment, including a telephone number to all for assistance in obtaining treatment.
New Jersey now becomes the 49th state in the nation to have enacted such legislation. The new law takes effect 180 days from the date of signing.
BILL TO GUARANTEE INSURANCE COVERAGE
FOR ORAL CANCER DRUGS IS SIGNED INTO LAW
Measure Would Require that Oral Cancer Drugs Are Covered on
Similar Basis to Intravenous Cancer Drugs
A bill sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Nia H. Gill which would require that all health insurers in New Jersey cover orally-administered cancer medications under similar terms and conditions used in the coverage of intravenous or injected cancer drugs has been signed into law by the Governor on January 17.
The new law, (S-1834) would require health insurers to provide insurance coverage for prescribed, orally-administered cancer medications on a basis which is no less favorable than the policy or contract provides for injected anticancer medications. Under the bill, insurers would be prohibited from subjecting the coverage of oral cancer medication to any prior authorization stipulations, dollar limits, copayments, deductibles or coinsurance standards that do not apply to intravenously-administered or injected cancer drugs. The bill would also prohibit insurers from imposing new barriers on injected anticancer drugs in order to comply with the provisions of this bill.
The new law, P.L, 2011, C. 188 takes effect 180 days from the date of the bill signing
