Garden State Times

Governor Murphy has signed a bill sponsored by Senator Holly Schepisi, aimed at streamlining healthcare and chemotherapy treatment. The legislation allows oncology practitioners to refer patients to in-house pharmacies.

Senator Schepisi's initiative was in response to a recent legal interpretation by the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy, which threatened this practice. "There is a vital connection between oncology practitioners and in-house pharmacies that is essential for ensuring patients receive seamless and consistent care," said Sen. Schepisi. She noted that the Board's change jeopardized continuity of care for many cancer patients. With the Governor’s approval, an exemption from the "Codey Law" has been created, allowing oncologists to continue these referrals.

The Codey Law generally prohibits health care practitioners from referring patients to services where they have a financial interest, such as in-house pharmacies. Previously, certain specialty permits were granted despite this law, but the Pharmacy Board recently reversed its stance, disallowing integration of in-house pharmacies by health care practitioners.

The bipartisan bill A-4447/S-3242 amends the Codey Law with an exemption specifically for integrated oncology practices with in-house pharmacies. The bill sets strict criteria to prevent conflicts of interest while maintaining beneficial health care practices for cancer patients.