As a reminder, before departing office, former Gov. Phil Murphy (D) rescinded Executive Order 415, a COVID-era measure that allowed advanced practice nurses (APNs) and physician assistants (PAs) to prescribe without a collaborative agreement with a physician. The recission is effective February 16. NACDS cautions members to be aware of this change in policy when filling prescriptions from non-physician providers. APNs and PAs have received notifications from their governing boards.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

It is NACDS’ understanding that before departing office, former Gov. Phil Murphy (D) rescinded Executive Order 415, a COVID-era measure that allowed advanced practice nurses (APNs) and physician assistants (PAs) to prescribe without a collaborative agreement with a physician. According to various online reports, the rescission will go into effect on February 16. NACDS cautions members to be aware of this change in policy when filling prescriptions from non-physician providers.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

On January 9, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed SB 2019, priority legislation that authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV medications under the standard of care model. It also requires insurers to reimburse pharmacies for the service. The governor’s news release highlighted that the bill “will streamline access to critical health care services and prescription medications while enhancing New Jersey’s health care workforce.”

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

SB 2019, legislation permitting pharmacists to prescribe HIV pre- and post-exposure therapy according to the pharmacy “standard of care” model passed the General Assembly unanimously on December 22, 2025, and is now on the Governor’s desk for signature. The bill also requires public and private insurers to reimburse pharmacies at the same rate as other providers offering the same service.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

At its June 25 public meeting, the Board of Pharmacy issued a temporary waiver of the 72-hour dispensing limit in N.J.A.C. 13:39-7.4(a) to allow for dispensing of up to a 10-day emergency supply of non-controlled substance medications for Rite Aid patients affected by the closure of their pharmacies. This waiver may be used by any state-registered pharmacy but applies only to prescriptions for former Rite Aid patients. The waiver will be in effect until October 1. To satisfy the requirement in N.J.A.C. 13:39-7.4(a)1, after obtaining suitable identification from the patient or caregiver, the pharmacist may rely upon information on a prescription bottle containing a Rite Aid label. Pharmacists are expected to comply with all documentation requirements in the Board’s existing rules.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On June 19, the Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance held another hearing on A4953. The Committee approved an amendment that would provide for a commercial rate floor, clarify the definition of network and non-network pharmacies and require fiduciary duties for PBMs. The bill remains in the committee.  

Also in New Jersey, on June 23, the Senate Committee on Commerce held a hearing on the "State of PBMs in New Jersey." NACDS submitted written testimony. Panels before the committee included those representing PBMs, pharmaceutical companies, health insurers and pharmacies. NACDS will continue to encourage the committee to take action to reform PBMs.  

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On May 28, the Board of Pharmacy held its regular scheduled meeting. The agenda included regular business and a discussion of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Report of the Task Force to Review Institutional Pharmacy and Compounding Rules. The next meeting will be held on June 25.

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On May 15, the New Jersey Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance held a hearing. During this hearing, the committee received testimony from invited guests concerning pharmacy benefit managers, their place within the broader health insurance system and their impact on prescription drug prices. The invited speakers included Dr. Pragya Kakani, Assistant Professor of Population Health Sciences, Well Cornell Medical College, and Anna Kaltenboeck, President, Verdant Research. They spoke about the PBM relationships with affiliated and unaffiliated pharmacies and the FTC reports. NACDS attended the hearing and will continue to support PBM reform efforts in New Jersey. 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.

On February 3, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed A1899/S1981, an Act to expand authority of pharmacy technicians to administer drugs and vaccines and permit certain pharmacists and pharmacy interns, externs, and technicians to administer COVID-19 vaccines. The law becomes effective upon signature. The Board of Pharmacy may enact regulations necessary to enable the law’s intent. 

For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.