Healthcare in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4208: Prohibits pharmacy benefit manager from using spread pricing as model of prescription drug pricing; requires transparency in provision of pharmacy benefits management services.

This New Jersey bill prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from using spread pricing, a practice where patients pay more at the pharmacy counter than the actual cost of the drug. Instead, the law requires these managers to pass 100% of rebates and fees directly to insurance carriers or purchasers while allowing them to charge standard administrative fees for their services. The legislation also mandates greater transparency by requiring pharmacy benefit managers to submit detailed financial statements and audits to state officials. Additionally, it ensures that patients never pay more out-of-pocket for a prescription than they would if they bought the medication without insurance.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5068: Authorizes visiting advanced practice nurses who are not certified by endorsement in New Jersey to engage in the limited practice of prescribing medications and devices, if they have appropriate educational qualifications.

This bill allows visiting advanced practice nurses who are not currently certified in New Jersey to prescribe certain medications and devices if they meet specific educational requirements. The law aims to expand prescribing authority for these out-of-state professionals under limited conditions without requiring them to obtain full New Jersey licensure. By amending existing nursing statutes, the legislation clarifies the scope of practice for visiting nurses while maintaining oversight through educational qualifications.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4328: Appropriates funds up to $25 million for distribution to certain school districts to support health care cost increases.

This bill allocates up to $25 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund to help certain New Jersey school districts cover rising health care costs. To qualify, a district must be spending below an adequacy threshold, have used its maximum allowable tax levy increase for the 2026-2027 school year, and lack available tax cap reserves. Eligible districts will receive a share of the funds based on their proportionate contribution to the statewide increase in health care costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Property Tax School Funding Student Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4924: Establishes "End-Stage Kidney Disease Prevention and Innovation Act"; appropriates $10 million.

This bill creates the "End-Stage Kidney Disease Prevention and Innovation Act" to establish research centers focused on rare kidney diseases within New Jersey's Department of Health. The legislation allocates $10 million to fund grants and cooperative agreements with public and private nonprofit organizations, prioritizing institutions that serve minority and underserved communities. Key provisions include conducting research on disease causes and treatments, increasing public awareness, offering fellowships for nephrology training, and ensuring that studies do not use metrics that discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the bill mandates a study on testing methods and preventative care, with specific attention to genetic testing for the APOL1 gene and its impact on diagnosis and treatment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5173: "Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Driver Communication and Disability Protection Act"; revises and establishes process for designating certain disorders through MVC.

This bill, known as the "Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Driver Communication and Disability Protection Act," allows New Jersey drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders like stuttering, or Tourette Syndrome to have these conditions noted on their driver's license and vehicle registration. To qualify, individuals must provide medical documentation, and the Motor Vehicle Commission will also collect emergency contact information for them. This data is shared with law enforcement during traffic stops to assist officers in communicating effectively with drivers who have these specific disabilities. The legislation ensures that this information is used solely for communication purposes and does not require the issuance of any secondary documents.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Vehicle Registration

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4394: Establishes Veteran's Treatment Court Program.

This bill establishes a new Veterans Treatment Court Program in New Jersey to provide specialized judicial supervision and clinical care for veterans with serious charges who do not qualify for existing diversion programs. The program is designed to address crimes linked to untreated trauma, such as PTSD or substance use disorders, by creating a second track that operates alongside the current prosecutor-led diversion system. Eligible participants will be assigned to a specialized court docket in three regions, where they must complete structured treatment plans involving mental health professionals and an interdisciplinary team. While the bill expands access to support for justice-involved veterans, it explicitly excludes individuals charged with severe violent crimes like murder or aggravated sexual assault from participation.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime Mental Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4213: Requires DOH to develop and maintain centralized neurodegenerative disorders database.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Health to create and maintain a centralized online database focused on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. The database will compile state and national statistics on causes, symptoms, treatments, and life expectancy, while also listing specialized healthcare providers and workforce details. Once established, this information will be made publicly accessible through the Department of Health's website to allow users to search for specific conditions. The law requires the health commissioner to adopt necessary rules to implement these provisions, with the changes taking effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4989: Makes supplemental appropriation of $1 million to DVA for suicide prevention training for personnel at State-run veterans' facilities.

This bill allocates $1 million from the state's General Fund to the Department of Veterans Affairs for suicide prevention training. The money will be used specifically to train staff at state-run Veterans' Haven facilities, which provide transitional housing for veterans. By funding this training, the legislation aims to equip facility personnel with the skills needed to better support residents and address suicide risks. The funding is designated under the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Mental Health Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4897: Establishes "New Jersey Holistic Representation Model" in Office of Public Defender.

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Holistic Representation Model" statewide within the Office of the Public Defender to expand a pilot program that previously operated in three counties. The law requires each regional office to form teams for eligible clients that pair a public defender attorney with a non-attorney client services specialist. These specialists are tasked with connecting individuals to resources for mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, and other life challenges while attorneys focus on legal defense. The act also mandates the creation of databases to track community resources and requires all team members to maintain client confidentiality.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4931: Requires DHS to issue guidance on housing-related services for Medicaid beneficiaries.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create guidance connecting Medicaid recipients with housing-related services and resources. The legislation mandates the development of a memorandum of understanding between health agencies and housing organizations to align eligibility rules and track outcomes like housing stability and health improvements. Additionally, the state must provide technical assistance to help housing providers understand how to receive Medicaid reimbursement for their services. Finally, the bill requires a report to be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within two years detailing the progress of these coordination efforts and any necessary changes to state funding plans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Medicaid Homelessness Property Development Tenant Rights

All healthcare bills