Greenstein, Diegnan Bill that Allows Pharmacy Interns, Externs to Administer Injectable Medications Advances

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate Law and Public Safety Committee Chairwoman Linda Greenstein and Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Patrick J. Diegnan that would allow pharmacy interns and externs to administer injectable medications under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.

“Increasingly, people are seeking health care services in places beyond a doctor’s office,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer) “This is very true when it comes to inoculations, like flu shots. Giving pharmacists more options to provide needed services to patients is smart public policy. The greater the ease of getting a flu shot, for example, the more likely it will be that greater numbers of people will get the shot, stay healthy and not require costlier medical treatment. We need to rethink how we deliver health care to people in the 21^stcentury.”

“It is imperative for the public to have easy access to vaccines,” said Senator Diegnan (Middlesex). “To be able to stop into a pharmacy and receive a vaccine streamlines the process. By expanding the number of health care providers who can safely administer vaccines we are enhancing accessibility. More people are using pharmacies for services beyond picking up a prescription. This bill reflects that change.”

Under current law, only a licensed pharmacist may administer certain injectable medications, biologicals and immunizations to patients.

The bill, S-724/S-754, was passed out of committee by a vote of 7-0-1 and advances to the full Senate for further consideration.