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A 4852

Permits prescription of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances via telemedicine and telehealth without in-person examination or review.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Karabinchak and 2 co-sponsors

Allows licensed prescribers to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances via telemedicine without an in-person examination.

Reported from Assembly Comm. as a Substitute, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · A 4852

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4852 (Session 222)

Bill overview

  • Title: Permits prescription of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances via telemedicine and telehealth without in-person examination or review.
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Session: 222
  • Status: Introduced and referred to Assembly Health Committee on May 4, 2026
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Andrea Katz

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to authorize healthcare providers to prescribe Schedule II controlled dangerous substances (CDS) through telemedicine and telehealth interactions without requiring an in-person examination or in-person review of the patient. The goal is to expand access to certain prescription medications that are tightly regulated, by allowing remote prescribing under specified conditions.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Scope of telemedicine prescribing: Enables a licensed prescriber to issue prescriptions for Schedule II CDS via telemedicine/telehealth platforms, without the patient being physically present for an in-person evaluation.
  • Schedule II CDS covered: The bill explicitly targets Schedule II controlled dangerous substances. Examples typically include medications such as certain opioid analgesics (e.g., high-potency opioids) and other drugs listed under Schedule II. (Note: the bill text would define the specific substances; the summary reflects the stated intent.)
  • Clinical safeguards (implicit expectations): While the summary notes no in-person requirement, telemedicine prescriptions of Schedule II substances generally imply accompanying safeguards such as:
    • Verification of patient identity
    • Assessment of medical history and contraindications through telemedicine
    • Adherence to standard prescribing practices and applicable federal/state regulations
    • Documentation and record-keeping requirements The bill’s text would specify any additional safeguards or limitations; readers should review the statutory language for precise conditions.
  • Credentialing and supervision: The bill would rely on the prescriber’s license and professional standards. It may also reference compliance with existing federal and state controlled substances laws and any board rules governing telemedicine.
  • Patient-physician relationship requirements: The bill may outline expectations regarding establishing a patient-physician relationship via telemedicine before prescribing Schedule II CDS, though exact language should be consulted in the bill text.
  • Data privacy and security: Telemedicine prescriptions would be subject to applicable privacy and security laws governing electronic health information.

Who would be affected

  • Prescribers: Licensed physicians and other authorized practitioners who can prescribe Schedule II CDS would be eligible to prescribe through telemedicine without an in-person examination, subject to the bill’s specifics.
  • Patients: Individuals seeking treatment involving Schedule II CDS who may access these prescriptions remotely, improving access in situations where in-person visits are impractical.
  • Healthcare system and providers: Telemedicine platforms and healthcare facilities facilitating remote prescribing would be impacted, including adherence to regulatory compliance and record-keeping.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: May 4, 2026
  • Referral: Assembly Health Committee (to evaluate clinical, safety, and policy implications)
  • Next steps: Committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Assembly before moving to the Senate and onward through the legislative process. The final timeline depends on committee action and legislative scheduling.

Notes for readers

  • The bill’s complete and precise provisions, including any defined safeguards, exceptions, and administrative procedures, are found in the formal text of the bill. This summary highlights the bill’s central aim to permit telemedicine-based prescribing of Schedule II CDS without in-person examinations and notes the need to consult the full language for exact requirements and limitations.
  • As with all controlled substances legislation, this proposal intersects with federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations and state medical board rules; compliance with all applicable laws remains essential.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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