Garden State Times

The New Jersey Senate has endorsed legislation, proposed by Senator Robert Singer, that aims to formalize Department of Health regulations for pharmaceutical services in nursing homes.

"I’m glad the Senate approved this legislation today. This bill will help prevent conflicts of interest when it comes to the pharmaceutical industry and nursing homes," stated Singer (R-30). "This is especially important since residents in long-term care facilities often have complex health conditions and comorbidities that require ongoing medical management with prescriptions drugs."

According to Singer's bill, S-1965, as well as existing regulations, each long-term care facility should have a consultant pharmacist and either a provider pharmacist or, if the facility possesses an in-house pharmacy, a director of pharmaceutical services.

The bill and current regulations also stipulate that each long-term care facility should have an interdisciplinary pharmacy and therapeutics committee. This committee would be appointed by and report to the administrator of the facility. It would consist of at least the administrator, a representative of the nursing staff, and the facility’s consultant pharmacist. Oversight would be provided as necessary by the facility’s medical director.

On May 20, 2024, Singer's bill was unanimously approved by the New Jersey Senate with a vote count of 37-0.