Healthcare in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2436: Establishes "New Jersey COVID-19 Long-Term Health Effects Task Force."

This bill establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Long-Term Health Effects Task Force" to study and address ongoing health impacts from the pandemic. The task force will identify symptoms, treatments, and public education strategies for long-term COVID-19 effects, including potential vaccine-related health impacts, and develop guidance for healthcare providers. It consists of nine members appointed by legislative leaders, the Governor, and health officials, with a requirement to submit a final report within one year. The task force expires 30 days after submitting its report.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2247: Requires non-invasive prenatal testing for pregnant persons and health insurance coverage for non-invasive prenatal testing.

This bill requires all health insurance plans sold in New Jersey to cover non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), a blood test performed starting at 10 weeks of pregnancy to screen for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. It directly affects pregnant people in New Jersey and applies to all major insurance types, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and individual/group health plans. Insurers must cover the test "to the same extent as for any other medical condition" and follow American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for testing methods. The law applies to contracts where insurers reserve the right to adjust premiums.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 564: Requires health insurance coverage of prenatal genetic test during first trimester of pregnancy.

S 564 requires all health insurance plans sold in New Jersey - including hospital service contracts, medical service plans, individual policies, group plans, and HMOs - to cover prenatal genetic testing during the first trimester of pregnancy. It specifically mandates coverage for three test types: carrier screening (blood/tissue tests for inherited disorders), nuchal translucency screening, and chorionic villus sampling. The law states coverage must be provided "to the same extent as for any other medical condition," meaning no additional out-of-pocket costs for these tests. This bill directly affects pregnant individuals seeking genetic screening and all health insurers operating in New Jersey, though it remains pending in the Senate Commerce Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2434: Prohibits reporting medical information of children without consent of parent or legal guardian.

This bill requires health care providers to obtain written parental or guardian consent before sharing any child's medical information with government agencies, including the Department of Health. It applies to all existing reporting requirements for conditions like newborn hearing screenings, lead testing, autism diagnoses, cardiac events, and immunization records. Exceptions allow sharing only if a provider suspects child abuse, including sexual abuse. The law directly affects parents/guardians (who must consent), health care providers (who must seek consent), and government agencies (which cannot receive unconsented data).

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Children's Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2642: Revises definition of health care professional in aggravated assault statute to match definition under "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act."

This bill (S 2642) updates New Jersey's aggravated assault statute to align the definition of "health care professional" with the definition in the "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." It specifically expands the protected group to include health care workers employed at licensed facilities, licensed health care professionals (under Titles 26 or 45), volunteers, supportive services staff, and employees performing direct patient care duties. The change ensures these individuals are explicitly covered under the aggravated assault provisions when they are clearly identifiable while performing their duties. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on defining who qualifies for enhanced legal protections during work.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2997: Removes exemption from law regulating patient referrals.

S 2997 removes an exemption in New Jersey's law that prohibited doctors from referring patients to health care services where they or their family have a financial interest. Specifically, it eliminates a previous exception allowing referrals for medically-necessary intraoperative monitoring during neurosurgical, neurological, or neuro-radiological surgeries in hospitals without disclosure. The bill now requires doctors to provide written disclosure of any financial interest in such monitoring services to patients, as mandated by existing rules. This change affects doctors who refer patients for these specific monitoring services, ensuring greater transparency in patient care decisions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 208: Requires DCA to establish standards for prisoner reentry transitional housing.

This bill (S 208) requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Community Affairs (with input from Corrections) to create specific standards for publicly-funded transitional housing programs helping formerly incarcerated people reenter communities. The standards mandate safety measures, emergency and long-term housing options, and comprehensive support services - including substance abuse treatment, job training, medical care, and assistance securing permanent housing. It directly affects returning residents in transitional housing programs by setting minimum quality requirements for their care and housing. The bill, introduced in January 2026 and referred to committee, would establish these rules immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Substance Abuse Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 1379: Provides workers' compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

S 1379 (New Jersey) creates a presumption that illnesses or injuries suffered by public safety workers (firefighters, police, EMTs) who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks are compensable under workers' compensation law, regardless of when a claim is filed. It requires workers to participate in the federal World Trade Center Health Program to qualify for benefits. The bill also specifies that benefits paid through federal programs (like the WTC Health Program) will be credited against future state benefits, preventing double payment. This directly affects New Jersey public safety workers exposed to 9/11 hazards who later developed related illnesses or injuries.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3079: "HOPE Initiative Act"; requires establishment of public awareness campaign to educate citizens about dangers and causes of, and appropriate responses to, heroin and opioid addiction.

S 3079, the "HOPE Initiative Act," requires New Jersey to create a statewide public awareness campaign about heroin and opioid addiction. The campaign, managed by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, will use all media channels - including TV, social media, billboards, and culturally tailored materials - to educate diverse audiences like at-risk individuals, families, medical professionals, and employers. It specifically aims to debunk myths about addiction, explain warning signs, promote naloxone use, highlight treatment options (including medication-assisted therapy), and provide resources for seeking help. The bill mandates this coordinated effort to combat the opioid epidemic through factual, accessible public education.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 915: Establishes pilot program to provide Medicaid coverage of remote maternal health services for eligible beneficiaries.

This bill establishes a voluntary, three-year pilot program in New Jersey to provide Medicaid-covered remote maternal health services for eligible pregnant beneficiaries. It allows access to tele-ultrasound, remote patient monitoring (like digital blood pressure checks), and remote non-stress tests via secure digital tools, with services offered only upon a healthcare provider's referral. Eligibility includes those with high-risk pregnancies (e.g., due to diabetes, age, or previous preterm births), residents in areas lacking obstetric providers, or individuals facing socioeconomic barriers like transportation issues. Participation is strictly voluntary and requires federal reimbursement approval before implementation.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Medicaid Telehealth Women's Health

All healthcare bills