Garden State Times

The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee approved a bill sponsored by Senator Robert Singer aimed at regulating pharmaceutical services in nursing homes. Singer emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “This legislation will help to prevent conflicts of interest when it comes to the pharmaceutical industry and nursing homes.” He highlighted the significance of managing complex health conditions and comorbidities in long-term care facilities through proper medication management.

The bill, known as S-1965, aligns with current regulations requiring each long-term care facility to have a consultant pharmacist and either a provider pharmacist or a director of pharmaceutical services, in cases where there is an in-house pharmacy. Additionally, the legislation mandates the establishment of an interdisciplinary pharmacy and therapeutics committee within each facility. This committee is to be appointed by and report to the facility administrator, comprising members such as the administrator, a representative of the nursing staff, the facility’s consultant pharmacist, and overseen as necessary by the facility’s medical director.

For further inquiries regarding the legislation, individuals can reach out to Jonathan Azzara in the SRO communications department at [email protected].