Permits pharmacists to administer certain long-acting injectable drugs.

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5539 expands the scope of practice for pharmacists by allowing them to administer specific long-acting injectable drugs to patients. Under this legislation, a pharmacist must hold a valid prescription from an authorized prescriber and demonstrate appropriate education and qualifications as determined by the State Board of Pharmacy. The bill defines these medications as FDA-approved injections used to treat psychiatric conditions or disorders that provide symptom management for up to 24 weeks with a single dose. Implementation of this authority will be governed by rules jointly created by the State Board of Pharmacy and the State Board of Medical Examiners, and the act takes effect immediately upon passage.