NJ A5595

Allows adults (18+), emancipated minors, or authorized representatives (parents, guardians) to execute a voluntary nonopioid directive stating that opioids may not be administered or prescribed to the individual

Directives must be made on a form developed by the Department of Health and published on its website, and can be revoked at any time orally or in writing

Healthcare facilities must enter submitted directives into the patient's electronic file in a manner accessible to the patient or their authorized representative

Opioids may still be prescribed or administered if deemed medically necessary, regardless of whether a directive is in place

Healthcare professionals and facilities receive immunity from disciplinary action, civil liability, and criminal liability for good faith compliance with the directive or for intentional/inadvertent administration of opioids to a patient with a directive