TRENTON, N.J. — The Assembly Appropriations Committee has advanced legislation allowing New Jersey pharmacists to dispense HIV prevention medications without a doctor’s prescription, expanding access to drugs that can prevent infection.
The committee voted on December 18, 2025, to release Senate Bill No. 2019 (Second Reprint), which authorizes pharmacists to furnish HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) under certain conditions and requires prescription coverage for these treatments.
Under the bill, pharmacists may provide PrEP and PEP to patients pursuant to a standing order from the Commissioner of Health or Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Services. To participate, pharmacists must complete Department of Health–approved training that includes guidance on financial assistance programs for patients.
Pharmacists could provide up to a 90-day supply of PrEP once every two years without a prescription. Before dispensing, they must confirm the patient has recently tested HIV-negative, screen for possible symptoms of acute HIV infection, and review any contraindicated medications. Pharmacists must also counsel patients on proper use and notify their primary care provider unless the patient declines.
For PEP, pharmacists could furnish a full treatment course if the patient’s potential exposure occurred within the past 72 hours, provided the patient meets CDC clinical criteria. Pharmacists would be required to test for HIV, offer counseling, and inform patients about PrEP for future prevention.
If a patient lacks a primary care provider or declines provider notification, pharmacists must supply a list or web link of follow-up care providers, maintained by the Department of Health.
The bill mandates that health benefit plans, including the State Health Benefits Plan, School Employees’ Health Benefits Plan, and Medicaid, cover PrEP and PEP provided under the new framework without prior authorization or step-therapy requirements. Plans must reimburse pharmacists at rates comparable to other non-physician practitioners and grant them equivalent participation rights.
Pharmacists acting in good faith under the bill would be shielded from civil or professional liability for injuries resulting from patient-provided information.
According to the Office of Legislative Services, the measure could modestly increase State and local government health expenditures due to greater use of HIV prevention drugs, though federal Medicaid reimbursements would offset some of the costs.
The bill is identical to Assembly Bill No. 6293, also approved by the committee the same day.
