Assembly Passes Bill Streamlining Patient Access to Prescriptions

Patients will have safer and more timely access to life-saving medications under a bill sponsored by Assemblymen Christopher DePhillips and John Azzariti and passed by the full Assembly on Friday.  

The bill (A4447) allows doctors with significant familial ownership in a pharmacy to continue to serve patients as long as the relationship is disclosed. Currently, New Jersey limits a physician’s ability to refer patients to certain health care services, with exceptions. This bill expands those exceptions.

“Cancer isn’t put on hold just because you can’t get your prescription for a week or more. This bill lowers the wait time for critical cancer treatments, so that people can start life-saving medications as soon as possible,” DePhillips (R-Bergen) said. “Using a pharmacy that is affiliated with a medical practice can offer significant benefits to patients who need specialized and coordinated care. It has been working, but New Jersey’s red tape is getting in the way. This will remove those barriers.”

A pharmacy managed by Regional Cancer Care Associates, a network of cancer care physicians with 15 locations in New Jersey, was serving the doctors’ cancer patients until the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy ruled it was in violation of state law. Under this legislation, any pharmacy that was opened prior to the enactment date of the bill will be included in the exception.

“A pharmacy that can access a patient’s medical history and treatment plan increases safety and provides a continuity of care that improves outcomes,” Azzariti (R-Bergen) said. “As a physician, I know that enhancing communication and streamlining medical care can have substantial advantages. This bill prioritizes the health and well-being of patients and that is why I am proud to put my name on it. It gives people who are facing serious medical decisions one less worry.”