Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4713: Establishes NJ Council on Lupus Education and Awareness in DOH.

This bill creates the New Jersey Council on Lupus Education and Awareness within the Department of Health to improve care and public understanding of lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women, particularly women of color. The 15-member council will be appointed by the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Health Commissioner, including patient advocates, medical experts, and representatives from healthcare organizations. The council will develop and distribute educational materials about lupus, create a directory of specialized healthcare providers, and work to reduce health disparities through coordinated policy recommendations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a council to improve lupus care and public awareness, directly advancing healthcare services and patient understanding.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3869: Broadens epinephrine administration mechanisms permitted in schools, institutions of higher education, and youth camps.

This bill expands the rules for administering epinephrine in New Jersey schools, colleges, and youth camps to help students with severe allergic reactions. It allows school nurses and trained staff to give epinephrine without waiting for specific parental paperwork in emergencies, while also requiring schools to keep a supply of auto-injectors readily available. The law clarifies that athletic trainers can legally administer epinephrine without violating licensing rules and ensures students are transported to hospitals after treatment even if symptoms improve. Schools must still maintain written policies for storing and using these medications, with backup doses kept on hand for unexpected situations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances student safety by allowing trained staff to administer epinephrine in schools, protecting students with severe allergies and improving emergency response capabilities in educational settings.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to emergency epinephrine administration in schools and camps, improving patient safety and healthcare access for students with severe allergies.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4023: Allows costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO.

This bill allows New Jersey state health assistance programs to reimburse the costs of medical cannabis for eligible patients. It specifically modifies the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program, the Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to include medical cannabis expenses. The legislation defines medical cannabis costs as the listed price from a dispensary or clinical registrant's website, minus any discounts, and applies to registered qualifying patients under existing medical cannabis laws. These changes would enable reimbursement for medical cannabis through existing state funds without altering the core structure of these assistance programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands health coverage by allowing state assistance programs to reimburse medical cannabis costs, improving patient access to treatment.90% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3768: Revises procedures for processing incomplete Medicaid applications; exempts asset transfers of up to $500 per month during look back period for determining eligibility for long-term care services.

This bill updates how New Jersey processes Medicaid applications that are missing information and changes rules for asset transfers when determining eligibility for long-term care services. It affects individuals applying for Medicaid assistance and those transferring assets during the eligibility review period. The legislation streamlines application procedures for incomplete submissions and allows asset transfers of up to $500 per month without penalty during the look-back period used to assess eligibility. These changes aim to simplify the application process and provide flexibility for asset transfers while maintaining eligibility standards for long-term care services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill streamlines Medicaid application processes and exempts small asset transfers, improving access to long-term care services for eligible individuals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 23, 2026

A 4798: Establishes Office of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Policy to oversee, direct, and coordinate resources, funding, and data tracking concerning treatment of substance use disorders.

This bill creates a new Office of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Policy within the New Jersey Executive Branch to coordinate statewide efforts related to substance use disorder treatment and prevention. The office will report directly to the Governor and is responsible for reviewing and unifying programs across state, county, and local agencies, while also managing grant distributions to counties and municipalities. Key provisions include the requirement to submit an annual comprehensive master plan, evaluate existing funding mechanisms, collect data for tracking, and convene regular meetings with various state commissioners to improve service coordination. The office will have the authority to request information and resources from any state department to fulfill its duties.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates new office to coordinate substance use disorder treatment and prevention, expanding healthcare services and funding for addiction care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3822: Requires Medicaid coverage for remote stress tests for pregnant women.

This bill requires New Jersey Medicaid to cover remote stress tests for pregnant women. It amends existing Medicaid regulations to explicitly include this specific diagnostic service under the program's authorized benefits. The change directly affects pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid and the healthcare providers who administer these tests. The legislation does not alter other Medicaid services or introduce new requirements beyond this specific coverage addition.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicaid coverage for remote stress tests for pregnant women, improving patient access to diagnostic services and strengthening healthcare benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Telehealth Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3728: Requires school districts to maintain supply of nasal rescue medication and oxygen for seizure emergencies; provides for training of designees to administer nasal rescue medication and oxygen when school nurse is not physically present.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts to keep nasal rescue medications and oxygen supplies available for seizure emergencies. It mandates that these supplies be stored in accessible locations throughout each school building and that designated staff members receive training to administer them when a school nurse is not present. The legislation also establishes a reimbursement system for districts to cover implementation costs and requires parental consent and liability waivers before designees can administer emergency treatment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens student safety and health protections in schools by requiring seizure emergency supplies and staff training, enhancing educational access and infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates availability of seizure emergency medications and oxygen in schools, improving patient access to critical healthcare supplies and training for staff.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3900: Establishes Task Force on Aging in New Jersey in DOH.

This bill creates a 17-member Task Force on Aging in New Jersey within the Department of Health to study resources and recommend ways to improve services for older residents. The task force will include state officials, advocates, service providers, and seniors themselves, who will serve without pay but may receive expense reimbursement. Its main duties involve reviewing existing policies, analyzing data on aging needs, supporting family caregivers, evaluating long-term care quality, and developing an educational program to inform seniors about rights and resources. The group must submit an initial report within 18 months and provide updated recommendations every two years to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates task force to improve aging services, evaluate long-term care quality, and support family caregivers within Department of Health85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Tags Seniors

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 167: Declares March of each year as "Blood Clot Awareness Month."

This bill designates March as "Blood Clot Awareness Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about the risks, signs, and symptoms of blood clots. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by encouraging them to learn about prevention measures and seek medical attention when symptoms appear. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation and promotes educational activities to help people recognize conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This symbolic measure aims to support the National Blood Clot Alliance's efforts without changing any laws or funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness about blood clot risks and symptoms, promoting preventive health measures and encouraging timely medical attention.90% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3741: Modifies requirements for licensure in marriage and family therapy.

This bill updates the licensing requirements for marriage and family therapists and associate marriage and family therapists in New Jersey. It lowers the supervised experience requirement from three years to two years and reduces the waiting period after failing a licensing exam from six months to 90 days. The legislation also clarifies how applicants with degrees in related fields can qualify for licensure by completing additional accredited training. These changes directly affect individuals seeking professional licensure in the state's mental health field.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill lowers licensing barriers for marriage and family therapists, improving access to mental health services and expanding the qualified workforce.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health

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