A 1593 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes certain protocols for prescribing and dispensing benzodiazepine.

This bill establishes new rules for prescribing and dispensing benzodiazepines (like Xanax and Valium) and similar sleep medications (like Ambien). It requires healthcare providers to give patients a detailed pamphlet about risks, obtain signed consent, and use bold labels warning of addiction risks. Prescriptions for these drugs cannot exceed four weeks without medical justification, and providers must follow safe tapering protocols to help patients reduce use gradually. The rules apply to most patients but exclude those receiving care in long-term facilities like nursing homes.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Sean Kean
Sean Kean
RRepublican
NJ
30