This bill prohibits anyone developing or deploying an AI system in New Jersey from advertising or claiming the system can act as a licensed mental health professional. It directly affects AI developers and companies that deploy mental health-related AI tools in the state. The law defines "licensed mental health professional" broadly to include all state-licensed practitioners (like therapists, counselors, and psychologists) and specifies that AI systems cannot be marketed as providing such services. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under state law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee.
This bill defines "born alive" as any infant expelled with vital signs (breathing, heartbeat, or movement), regardless of cause (including abortion or attempted abortion). It requires healthcare professionals present during such births to provide the same medical care and immediate hospital transport as for any newborn, with violations punishable as a third-degree crime (3-5 years in prison or $15,000 fine). Healthcare staff who fail to report noncompliance face fourth-degree criminal charges (up to 18 months in prison or $10,000 fine), while mothers of such infants are shielded from conspiracy charges and may sue violators for damages. The law applies directly to healthcare providers in abortion facilities and hospitals, mandating specific medical and reporting obligations for infants born alive during abortion procedures.
This bill (S 756) mandates that health insurance plans in New Jersey (including hospital, medical, and health service corporation contracts) cover specific preventive services without requiring copayments or deductibles. It covers services rated "A" or "B" by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, CDC-recommended immunizations, pediatric preventive care per federal guidelines, and women’s preventive services. Plans must provide these services at least once annually within the calendar year (January 1-December 31), with coverage for out-of-network care if no in-network provider is available. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it had already been enacted as P.L.2025, c.386.
S 2346 extends health insurance coverage for adult children with disabilities beyond the typical age limit of 26. It requires health plans to continue coverage for individuals 26 or older who have an intellectual disability or physical handicap and are chiefly dependent on their parent for support. The law prohibits health plans from denying coverage based on factors like marriage, having a child, or not living with the parent. This applies to hospital, medical, and health service corporation contracts in New Jersey, ensuring continuous coverage for a specific group of disabled adults who rely on parental support.
S 1935 updates New Jersey's telehealth laws to clarify emergency care referral standards for telemedicine providers. It requires telehealth providers to make a "good faith effort" to directly contact emergency services during telehealth visits when a patient needs urgent care, including sharing the patient's location, provider contact details, and documenting emergencies. This applies to all telehealth providers licensed in New Jersey who use telemedicine for patient care. The bill ensures telehealth services meet the same emergency coordination standards as in-person care, requiring providers to refer patients to appropriate in-person or emergency services when needed. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Health Committee.
This bill (S 1399, "Clinical Laboratory Services Reimbursement and Vulnerable Patient Discount Act") permits clinical laboratories to offer discounts to patients facing financial hardship without reducing NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rates or violating anti-rebate rules. It directly affects labs serving vulnerable populations - including uninsured, homeless, or low-income patients seeking services like drug testing for substance use disorder treatment - by allowing them to discount charges based on documented financial hardship (e.g., income below 200% of federal poverty level). Key provisions require labs to maintain NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rates at the lower of the fee schedule or their standard public charge, while discounts to vulnerable patients must align with federal anti-rebate rules. The bill aims to prevent labs from ceasing discounted services due to prior enforcement risks under NJ FamilyCare regulations.
S 1121 creates the "Disability Life-Sustaining Measures Advisory Council" within New Jersey's Department of Health to protect people with disabilities during public health emergencies. The council, consisting of 14 members including state officials and public representatives with disability experience, will recommend policies for emergency care (like ventilators and resuscitation), ensure compliance with federal disability anti-discrimination laws, and gather public input on treatment during crises. It must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing its findings. This bill directly affects people with disabilities in medical emergencies and establishes a permanent advisory body to address gaps in emergency response planning.
This bill establishes new licensing requirements for emergency medical responders (EMRs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and creates certification standards for mobility assistance vehicle operators. It directly affects EMS professionals, ambulance services, and providers of non-emergency medical transportation for individuals with disabilities. Key provisions include setting minimum staffing rules for different transport units (like mobile intensive care units and basic life support vehicles), requiring all crew members to hold valid licenses or certifications, and defining specific roles like "mobility assistance vehicle operator." The bill also clarifies that non-emergency transport providers must be licensed to serve patients who need medical transportation but do not require ambulance-level care.
This bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover specific treatments for lipedema, a chronic fat disorder. It mandates coverage for compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, medical nutrition therapy, mental health care, and medically necessary lipectomies (including pre- and post-surgery appointments). Insurers must base coverage decisions on physician diagnoses and surgeon documentation (including photos for lipectomies), cannot deny coverage solely based on photos, and must honor prior authorizations for lipectomies for one year. The coverage must match the same deductibles, coinsurance, and standards of care as other similar medical treatments. This directly affects insured residents diagnosed with lipedema and their health insurance providers.
This bill, S 2621, establishes the "Equitable Drug Pricing and Patient Access Act" to set minimum reimbursement rates for pharmacies providing prescription drugs to Medicaid beneficiaries in New Jersey. It mandates that pharmacies receive at least the national average drug acquisition cost plus a $10.92 dispensing fee, regardless of whether services are delivered through Medicaid’s fee-for-service or managed care systems. The bill requires Medicaid managed care organizations to include pharmacy choice as a mandatory benefit, ensuring enrollees can select any qualified pharmacy and preventing exclusion of pharmacies based on cost or other criteria. Additionally, it directs the State Auditor to audit pharmacy pricing practices and fund flows within Medicaid to identify potential state savings.
