SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 1482

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 23, 1997

      The Senate Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1482 (1R).

      This bill permits the prescribing of a schedule II controlled dangerous substance, including narcotics such as morphine, for the use of a patient in any quantity not to exceed a 30-day supply, as defined by regulations adopted by the State Board of Medical Examiners (BME) in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services. The physician is to document the diagnosis and the medical need for the prescription in the patient's medical record, in accordance with guidelines established by the BME.

      Currently, Department of Health and Senior Services regulations (N.J.A.C.8:65-7.8) limit the prescribing of schedule II controlled dangerous substances to an individual patient to 120 dosage forms or a 30 days' supply, whichever is the lesser amount.