TZG SECURES PASSAGE AND APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION TO STREAMLINE HEALTH CARE FOR CANCER PATIENTS
On behalf of Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), TZG secured passage and approval of legislation A-4447 (P.L. 2024 c. 87) that allows oncology physicians to refer patients to in-house pharmacies.
RCCA is a New Jersey medical practice owned by oncologists and one of the nation’s largest cancer physician networks with 16 clinic locations throughout New Jersey and additional locations in Maryland, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C. RCCA provides cancer care to more than 26,000 patients each year.
As part of the care they provide, RCCA operates an in-house pharmacy as a central component to the treatment protocols their physicians use where their patients receive continuous oversight with respect to complex cancer drug regimens. While every RCCA patient is informed that they may fill their prescriptions at the pharmacy of their choice, patients choose RCCA’s pharmacy because it is a natural extension of the care they receive from their physicians.
In years past, the NJ Board of Pharmacy granted specialty permits for certain in-house pharmacies if they met certain requirements. However, the Board of Pharmacy reversed its interpretation of existing law and took the position that health care practitioners are prohibited from owning and integrating in-house pharmacies. In response to the Board’s action, TZG acted quickly to identify sponsors from both parties to introduce legislation intended to protect and preserve our client’s pharmacy license.
The legislation was critical to create a clear exemption from existing law while continuing to protect against conflicts of interest, and preserving sensible health care practices for the benefit of cancer patients.
The bill was introduced on May 3rd, 2024. It passed with unanimous approval in both Houses and was signed by Governor Phil Murphy on October 30, 2024, less than six months after it was first introduced.
About The Zita Group
The Zita Group is a woman-owned government and public affairs firm, both founded and led by Patrizia “Trish” Zita. Our bipartisan, experienced team of strategic consultants is widely respected by elected, appointed and government officials of both parties across New Jersey’s political landscape. We provide our clients unique insights into the decision-making process at the highest levels. We bring to bear credible working relationships with executive branch officials, legislators, and staff. Our team’s effectiveness has been demonstrated again and again by the results we achieve for our clients.
