Permits pharmacists to dispense certain drugs in emergency without prescription.

This bill allows pharmacists in New Jersey to provide an emergency supply of certain chronic maintenance medications without a current prescription when a patient cannot reach their doctor for a refill. To qualify, the pharmacy must have a prior prescription on file, the pharmacist must attempt to contact the prescribing practitioner without success, and the medication cannot be a controlled substance. The emergency supply is limited to a 30-day amount and cannot be provided to the same patient more than once within a 12-month period, with full documentation required. Pharmacists and their employers are protected from civil liability unless they act with gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Board of Pharmacy will establish specific rules to implement these provisions.