Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4331 requires health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), State Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and NJ FamilyCare to cover sign language interpreter services during medical visits for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill mandates coverage for qualified interpreters (certified by New Jersey or accredited bodies) or video remote interpretation when in-person services aren’t available, upon patient request. It prohibits using family or friends as interpreters unless they’re certified, consented to by the patient, or in specific cases like minor children with parental consent - excluding domestic violence or suspected child abuse situations. This policy directly affects deaf/hard of hearing patients accessing healthcare and requires insurers to provide this coverage "to the same extent as for any other condition" under their plans.