As we continue to focus on regulations, Part 2 of our New Jersey Regulatory Update focuses on the adoption of telemedicine rules and changes adopted by the Board of Pharmacy.

For more information about this blog post, please contact Ryan L. O’Neill or Labinot Alexander Berlajolli.

Board of Dentistry Adopts Telemedicine and Telehealth Rules

54 N.J.R. 149(b): The New Jersey Board of Dentistry has implemented the New Jersey telehealth statutes (N.J.S.A. § 45:1-16 et seq.) by adopting telemedicine and telehealth rules for dentists and dental hygienists. The new rules are identical to the telemedicine and telehealth rules already in place for other New Jersey healthcare providers. The rules have been codified at N.J.A.C. § 13:30-9 et seq.

Occupational Therapy Advisory Counsel Adopts Telemedicine and Telehealth Rules

54 N.J.R. 157(a): The New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Counsel has implemented the New Jersey telehealth statutes (N.J.S.A. § 45:1-16 et seq.) by adopting telemedicine and telehealth rules for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, temporary occupational therapists, and temporary licensed occupational therapy assistants. The new rules are identical to the telemedicine and telehealth rules already in place for other New Jersey healthcare providers. The rules have been codified at N.J.A.C. § 13:44K-7 et seq.

Board of Pharmacy Amends Rules on Patient Counseling

54 N.J.R. 156(c): The New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy (“NJ-BOP”) amended N.J.A.C. § 13:39-7.21 with respect to patient counseling. In the context of pharmacists, “patient counseling” refers to pharmacists advising patients of pertinent information regarding their prescriptions, such as the name and description of the medication, the dosage and duration of the medication, proper administration and storage, etc. The latest amendment, N.J.A.C. § 13:39-7.21(e), requires pharmacists to document, at the time of dispensing, whether counseling was provided or refused.

Board of Pharmacy Changes Score Requirement for Reciprocal Licensure Applications

54 N.J.R. 156(b): The NJ-BOP amended N.J.A.C. § 13:39-2.2 and 2A.5 with respect to applicants seeking reciprocal licensure through the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination. Under the amended regulation, a passing score of not less than 75 must be attained. If an applicant fails the examination, he or she shall be required to repeat the examination.