This bill amends section 2 of P.L.1989, c.19 (C.45:9-22.5) to expand the exceptions under which health care practitioners can refer patients to health care services in which they or their immediate family have a significant beneficial interest. Specifically, it allows practitioners to refer patients to pharmacies if the practitioner, their immediate family, or a combination of both had a significant beneficial interest in the pharmacy and their application for a permit to operate the pharmacy was approved prior to the effective date of this section. The bill also requires that practitioners disclose their significant beneficial interest to patients when making such referrals.

The amendments aim to enhance continuity of care by facilitating collaboration between health care practitioners and pharmacies, which can improve medication adherence and management. The bill retains existing restrictions on referrals while providing additional clarity on permissible referrals, thereby ensuring that patients receive appropriate care without conflicts of interest.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:9-22.5