New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4545

Introduced
9/22/22  

Caption

Prohibits pharmacies from charging additional fee for processing prescriptions transmitted by telephone or electronic means.

Impact

Should A4545 be enacted, it would modify the laws governing pharmacy practices and the processing of prescriptions in New Jersey. By limiting the ability of pharmacists to charge differentiated fees based on the method of transmission, this bill promotes the use of electronic prescriptions, which align with broader healthcare trends leaning towards technology-enhanced services. The potential positive effect includes greater adoption of electronic communications in healthcare solutions, thus streamlining pharmacy operations and improving patient access to medications.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4545, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, seeks to amend existing laws regarding the processing fees charged by pharmacists for prescriptions transmitted electronically or via telephone. The primary objective of this bill is to prohibit pharmacists from imposing additional fees for electronically transmitted prescriptions unless those same fees are applied to written prescriptions. The rationale behind this legislation is the belief that electronic prescriptions improve efficiency and accessibility, and that additional charges may deter the usage of these more efficient methods.

Contention

There may be notable contentions surrounding the bill, particularly from pharmacists or pharmacy advocates who might argue that the inability to charge additional fees for electronic prescriptions could impact their operational revenue. Concerns could be raised about the potential financial implications for pharmacies, particularly smaller establishments, which may rely on such fees to cover processing costs. Additionally, there might be debates regarding the adequacy of the current regulatory framework in ensuring safety and compliance for electronically transmitted prescriptions, especially involving controlled substances.

Companion Bills

NJ S1325

Same As Prohibits pharmacies from charging additional fee for processing prescriptions transmitted by telephone or electronic means.

Previously Filed As

NJ S517

Prohibits pharmacies from charging additional fee for processing prescriptions transmitted by telephone or electronic means.

NJ S2298

Regulates Internet pharmacies and electronic prescriptions.

NJ SB1309

pharmacists; care standard; prescriptions

NJ SB313

Prohibits clerks of court's vendors from charging additional electronic filing fees in criminal and traffic actions. (8/1/26)

NJ HF4524

Banks and credit unions prohibited from charging a fee for electronically depositing a check.

NJ S2889

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

NJ H8318

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

NJ HB2916

Prohibits tax preparation software companies from charging fee for electronically filing State tax returns.

NJ S2212

Requires disclosure of cellular telephone transmitters upon sale or lease of certain residential property.

NJ SB00115

An Act Prohibiting State Agencies From Charging Service Fees For Payments Made By Certain Means.

Similar Bills

NJ S517

Prohibits pharmacies from charging additional fee for processing prescriptions transmitted by telephone or electronic means.

FL S1568

Electronic Prescribing

AZ HB2291

Opioids; containers; labeling; requirements; repeal

AZ HB2405

Topical medications

MI HB5108

Health occupations: pharmacists; pharmacist scope of practice; modify. Amends secs. 5111, 17703, 17707, 17708, 17724a, 17744, 17744a, 17751, 17757 & 17763 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.5111 et seq.) & adds sec. 17744h.

RI H8318

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

RI S2889

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

FL H1297

Electronic Prescribing