This bill regulates the provision of pharmaceutical services in long-term care facilities in New Jersey, codifying existing Department of Health regulations while introducing new requirements to mitigate conflicts of interest. Each long-term care facility is mandated to have a consultant pharmacist and either a provider pharmacist or a director of pharmaceutical services if an in-house pharmacy exists. The bill stipulates that a New Jersey licensed pharmacist must fulfill these roles and comply with relevant federal and state laws and standards. Additionally, it establishes the requirement for an interdisciplinary pharmacy and therapeutics committee, which must include the facility's administrator, a nursing staff representative, and the consultant pharmacist, and meet at least quarterly to maintain records of their activities.

A significant addition in the bill is the requirement for the consultant pharmacist to attest that they have no affiliation with the facility's director of pharmaceutical services or pharmacist provider, thereby ensuring independence and reducing potential conflicts of interest. The bill also mandates that if a long-term care facility maintains emergency injectable or oral controlled substances, it must have the appropriate Drug Enforcement Administration registration. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with adopting necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this act, which will take effect immediately upon passage.