NJ A2291

New Jersey Department of Health, in collaboration with the State Office of Emergency Management, must establish a statewide essential buffer stock of emergency and chronic disease medications, vaccines, and medical supplies for use during public health emergencies, outbreaks, natural disasters, or mass casualty events.

Distribution priority goes to healthcare providers and facilities in rural areas, medically underserved areas designated by HHS, and counties with high infection or hospitalization rates during emergencies.

The department may contract with private entities for procurement, management, and distribution of supplies, including "virtually sequestered buffer stock" managed by vendors to prevent expiration while ensuring emergency availability.

Demand planning and modeling must be conducted to determine supply types, quantities, and distribution guidelines, with special consideration for rural and underserved healthcare settings.

An unspecified appropriation from the General Fund is authorized for implementation, with the law taking effect 180 days after enactment.