NEW JERSEY – Cancer patients will have safer and more timely access to life-saving medications under a bill sponsored by Assemblymen Christopher DePhillips and John Azzariti and passed by the full Assembly on Monday.
The bill (A4447) revises a current state law that restricts a physician’s ability to refer patients to pharmacies associated with their practice by creating an exception for oncology doctors.
“Cancer isn’t put on hold just because you can’t get your prescription for a week or more. This bill lowers the wait time for critical cancer treatments, so that people can start life-saving medications as soon as possible,” DePhillips (R-Bergen) said. “Using a pharmacy that is affiliated with a medical practice can offer significant benefits to patients who need specialized and coordinated care.”
A pharmacy managed by Regional Cancer Care Associates, a network of cancer care physicians with 15 locations in New Jersey, was serving the doctors’ cancer patients until the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy ruled it was in violation of state law. Under this legislation, any pharmacy integrated with an oncology practice that has direct access to patient records and complies with other requirements will be permitted to operate.
“A pharmacy that can access a patient’s medical history and treatment plan increases safety and provides a continuity of care that improves outcomes,” Azzariti (R-Bergen) said. “As a physician, I’ve witnessed how streamlining medical care can have substantial advantages, especially for the sickest of patients. This bill prioritizes the health and well-being of cancer patients and that is why I am proud to put my name on it. It gives people who are facing serious medical decisions one less worry.”
The Senate approved the bill unanimously in September. It now goes to the governor’s desk.
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