Can Pharmacists Prescribe in New Jersey? 2026 Scope of Practice Guide

Status Check: New Jersey is a Yellow State. Current Authority Level: Contraception Focused

If you are a pharmacist in New Jersey, you are likely leaving revenue on the table—or practicing efficiently but dangerously.

The laws in New Jersey have evolved in recent years. Whether you are looking to expand clinical services or just want to legally dispense Paxlovid, you need to know exactly which protocol protects your license.

Here is the Breakdown of Pharmacist Prescribing Authority for New Jersey.

At-A-Glance: What Can You Prescribe?

Clinical Service	Authority Status	Protocol / Requirement	Billing Code
Hormonal Contraception	✅ YES	Self-Administered Only	CPT 99202
Paxlovid (COVID-19)	✅ YES	Federal Authority	CPT 99211
Flu/Strep	❌ NO	Testing Only	N/A
HIV PrEP/PEP	❌ NO	Not Authorized	N/A
Opioid Antagonist	✅ YES	Statewide Protocol	Product Only

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1. Hormonal Contraception Authority

The Law: New Jersey Self-Administered Contraception Protocol

In New Jersey, pharmacists can furnish self-administered hormonal contraception. This includes oral contraceptives, patches, and vaginal rings.

The Protocol: To legally prescribe, you must:

1. Verify the contraception is self-administered (no injectables).
2. Complete the required patient screening questionnaire.
3. Document the patient encounter and assessment.

⚠️ Key Limitation: Injectable contraception (like Depo-Provera) is NOT included in pharmacist authority in New Jersey.

Revenue Potential:

• Consult Fee: $35-50 (Cash) or CPT 99202 (Medicaid).
• Product: Standard dispensing margin.

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2. Paxlovid (COVID-19 Treatment)

The Law: Federal Authority

New Jersey pharmacists can prescribe Paxlovid under federal authorization.

Requirements:

1. Perform renal function assessment.
2. Screen for drug-drug interactions.
3. Document the clinical encounter.

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3. Test & Treat (Flu / Strep)

The Status: Not Authorized

In New Jersey, pharmacists can perform testing but cannot treat flu or strep. Positive test results must be referred to a prescriber.

What This Means:

• Testing-only services are available.
• Treatment requires physician involvement.

Rx Agent Tip: Advocacy efforts are ongoing to expand Test & Treat authority in New Jersey. Stay informed through professional associations.

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4. How to Bill for Services in New Jersey

It is not enough to do the work; you must get paid.

Medicaid Enrollment: To bill NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) for CPT codes (like 99202, 99211), you must enroll as an Ordering/Referring Provider.

• Portal Link: NJ FamilyCare Provider Enrollment

Commercial Payers: Most commercial plans in New Jersey have limited recognition of pharmacists as providers. We recommend billing the patient a cash "Consult Fee" and providing a Superbill using the codes above.

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Compliance Checklist for New Jersey

Before you write your first prescription, ensure you have these documents on file:

• NPI Type 1: Do you have an individual NPI? (Type 2 is for the pharmacy).
• Protocol Training: Have you completed training on the self-administered contraception protocol?
• Liability Insurance: Does your policy cover "Prescribing" or just "Dispensing"?
• Documentation: Do you have compliant screening questionnaires?
• CLIA Waiver: Is your pharmacy registered as a laboratory (for testing)?

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Need the Official Protocols?

Stop searching through the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy website.

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