45:1-53.1 Violations, notice to licensing board; license revocation; definitions.

2. a. Any pharmacist or other health care professional who is charged with an offense in violation of section 1 of P.L.2019, c.339 (C.2C:35-11.1) shall promptly notify the applicable licensing board of the pending charge. Failure to provide the prompt notice required by this subsection shall be deemed grounds for disciplinary action by the applicable licensing board.

b. Upon conviction of an offense in violation of section 1 of P.L.2019, c.339 (C.2C:35-11.1)), the CDS registration of the pharmacist or other health care professional shall be revoked for a period of not less than five years and that professional's certification or license shall be revoked by the applicable licensing board based solely upon the fact of the conviction, for a period of time to be determined by that board.

c. Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), a licensing or certifying board, specified in section 2 of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-15), or other licensing or certifying authority that has jurisdiction over health care professionals pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, may adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the provisions of P.L.2019, c.339 (C.2C:35-11.1 et al.).

d. As used in this section:

"CDS registration" means registration with the Division of Consumer Affairs to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or conduct research with controlled dangerous substances issued pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-11).

"Health care professional" means a professional licensed pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes to provide a health care service to a patient including, but not limited to: a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, nurse, pharmacist, psychologist, psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, clinical social worker, physician assistant, professional counselor, dentist, orthotist, prosthetist, respiratory therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, optometrist, veterinarian, or any other health care professional acting within the scope of a valid license or certification issued pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes.

"Pharmacist" means a pharmacist licensed pursuant to P.L.2003, c.280 (C.45:14-40 et seq.).

L.2019, c.339, s.2.