Legislative Update- September 2017

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September 20, 2017

Amendments to Physician Assistant Regulations — On August 21, 2017, the State Board of Medical Examiners, as recommended by the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee, proposed to amend its rules and promulgate new rules to implement P.L. 2015, c. 224, which created an expanded, physician-delegated scope of practice for physician assistants. P.L. 2015, c. 224, which became effective on August 1, 2016, revised the scope of practice for physician assistants, requires all physician assistants in the State to maintain malpractice liability insurance or a letter of credit, and requires physician assistants to have a separate written agreement with each physician who delegates medical services to the physician assistant. Written comments on the proposed rules must be submitted by October 20, 2017.

Prescription Drug Insurance Coverage — On August 24, 2017, Assembly Bill A5144 was introduced to require health insurers to provide coverage for prescription drugs through the entire course of treatment as determined by the prescriber. The time period for the course of treatment would be determined solely by the covered person’s prescriber without the imposition of any utilization management requirements.

Health Care Facilities Legislation Passed by Legislature — On July 31, 2017, the New Jersey Assembly passed S2563, which had previously been passed by the Senate on June 22, 2017. The bill clarifies Department of Consumer Affairs rulemaking authority over freestanding residential health care facilities, and prohibits eviction of residents from such facilities, except for good cause. The bill now awaits approval from Governor Christie.

 

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