New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1405

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Prohibits substitution of prescribed epilepsy drugs by pharmacists without prior notification to and written consent of physician and patient.

Impact

If enacted, A1405 would amend existing state laws governing the practice of pharmacy and patient rights regarding medication. The requirement for consent prior to drug substitution would necessitate changes in pharmacy operations and could affect the availability of certain medications for patients with epilepsy. Moreover, this bill highlights the intricate balance between the role of pharmacists in managing prescriptions and the critical need for patient-centered care in treatment plans for individuals with neurological conditions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1405 aims to enhance patient safety by prohibiting pharmacists from substituting prescribed anti-epileptic drugs without prior consent from both the prescribing physician and the patient, or their guardian. This legislation recognizes that patients with epilepsy can have varied responses to different formulations of anti-epileptic drugs, which makes the interchange among different brands or generic versions particularly sensitive. The bill seeks to ensure that any substitution is undertaken with full informed consent, underscoring the importance of communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Contention

There are likely to be points of contention surrounding A1405, especially concerning the implications for pharmacists and healthcare providers. Critics may argue that this bill could impede prompt access to medication adjustments, potentially placing additional burdens on both patients needing timely seizure control and pharmacies that must enforce the new consent protocols. Additionally, there might be concerns about the practicalities of obtaining consent in emergency situations or when patients are unable to communicate effectively, which raises questions about patient autonomy and safety.

Companion Bills

NJ S1053

Carry Over Prohibits substitution of prescribed epilepsy drugs by pharmacists without prior notification to and written consent of physician and patient.

NJ A3734

Carry Over Prohibits substitution of prescribed epilepsy drugs by pharmacists without prior notification to and written consent of physician and patient.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2020

Prohibits substitution of prescribed epilepsy drugs by pharmacists without prior notification to and written consent of physician and patient.

NJ A00635

Prohibits a pharmacist from substituting any anti-epileptic drug for the prescribed anti-epileptic drug without notification of and the informed consent of the prescriber and patient or such patient's parent, guardian or spouse.

NJ A05562

Prohibits a pharmacist from substituting any anti-epileptic drug for the prescribed anti-epileptic drug without notification of and the informed consent of the prescriber and patient or such patient's parent, guardian or spouse.

NJ A1652

Allows physicians to report patients with epilepsy or related conditions to MVC.

NJ A1154

Requires physicians and other prescribers to obtain electronic or written consent for certain medications with "black box warnings."

NJ S05352

Requires notification by a prescriber or pharmacist of the substitution of one generic drug product for another generic drug product; requires both oral and written notification.

NJ A09260

Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

NJ S08716

Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

NJ AB1587

An act to amend Section 4064 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to prescription drugs.

NJ S3840

Permits pharmacists to dispense certain drugs in emergency without prescription.

Similar Bills

NJ A2020

Prohibits substitution of prescribed epilepsy drugs by pharmacists without prior notification to and written consent of physician and patient.

CA AB1172

Adult day programs: administration of intranasal emergency antiseizure medications.

OH HB758

Regards SUDEP, epilepsy license designation, disability database

OH SB414

Regards SUDEP, epilepsy license designation, disability database

FL H1201

Student Health and Safety

CA AB369

An act to add Section 1714.

IA SF111

A bill for an act relating to school personnel training, emergency care planning, authorizations for assisting, and limitations of liability concerning students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.(See SF 368.)

IA HF102

A bill for an act relating to school personnel training, emergency care planning, authorizations for assisting, and limitations of liability concerning students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.(See HF 835.)