Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4026: Requires DOH to evaluate hospital compliance with federal hospital price transparency requirements.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to evaluate hospitals for compliance with federal price transparency rules. It gives the department authority to monitor hospitals through complaint reviews, website audits, and analysis of noncompliance reports. If a hospital is found noncompliant, the department can issue warnings, demand corrective action plans, or impose civil monetary penalties that are published online. The bill also mandates that the department submit an annual report on hospital compliance to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens healthcare transparency by requiring hospitals to comply with federal price transparency rules, protecting patient rights and improving access to clear pricing information.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4596: Establishes task force to examine public school programs and services designed to address student mental health.

This bill creates the Task Force on Student Mental Health in New Jersey to study mental health issues affecting public school students, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. The 16-member task force includes state officials, educators, parents, and public members with relevant expertise, who will examine current programs and recommend ways to improve access to mental health care services. The group will review topics like student identification, counseling expansion, school safety connections, funding needs, and successful programs from other states, then submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of organizing. The task force will operate without compensation for members but may receive reimbursement for necessary expenses, and it will dissolve 30 days after issuing its report.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates task force to examine and improve student mental health programs, expanding access to counseling and support services in public schools.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates task force to examine and improve student mental health services, indicating intent to strengthen mental health care access in schools.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 3992: Increases cap on personal care assistant services from 40 hours to 91 hours per week for Medicaid beneficiary determined clinically eligible for nursing facility level of care.

This bill increases the weekly limit on personal care assistant services for Medicaid recipients who are clinically eligible for nursing facility care from 40 hours to 91 hours. The change applies to individuals receiving health-related assistance with daily living tasks in their homes or other settings under nurse supervision. To implement the increase, the Department of Human Services must update its assessment tools and seek necessary federal approval to cover the additional costs. The legislation takes effect immediately and aims to allow more people to remain in their communities rather than moving to institutional care.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases funding for Medicaid personal care services, strengthening support for vulnerable populations through expanded government assistance.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases weekly personal care assistant hours for Medicaid recipients, expanding healthcare access and services for vulnerable populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Long-Term Care Medicaid

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3894: Revises requirements for assessing nursing home health, safety, and operations and for taking action against low-performing nursing homes.

This bill establishes new minimum standards for New Jersey nursing homes, requiring the Department of Health to assess facilities based on resident physical and mental well-being, operational metrics, and safety indicators. It creates a tiered enforcement system where nursing homes receiving low federal ratings or failing to meet state standards face escalating consequences, starting with warnings and potentially progressing to restrictions on admitting new residents, payment reductions, or revocation of Medicaid participation. The law also mandates annual reviews of these standards and enforcement measures to ensure they remain effective in evaluating and improving nursing home care quality.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes new minimum standards for nursing homes, improves resident well-being assessments, and strengthens enforcement to protect patient safety and quality of care.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid

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signed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3947: Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth.*

This bill permanently extends pay parity for telemedicine and telehealth services in New Jersey, requiring health insurance carriers to reimburse providers at the same rates as in-person care. It directly affects insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients by mandating that out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments for virtual visits cannot exceed those for in-person appointments. The legislation also prohibits insurers from restricting telehealth platforms, limiting service locations, or denying coverage for routine remote monitoring if the same care would be covered in person. Additionally, carriers must continue to allow patients to choose between in-person and virtual care rather than forcing telehealth as a substitute.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates equal reimbursement rates for telehealth and in-person care, improving patient access and protecting healthcare provider compensation.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital equity by ensuring telehealth services receive equal reimbursement, expanding access to virtual healthcare and supporting technology adoption in medical services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Telehealth

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3724: Authorizes Chief Administrator of MVC to waive fee for non-driver identification card if applicant submits proof of enrollment in public assistance or social service program.

This bill allows the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to waive fees for non-driver identification cards when applicants provide proof of enrollment in public assistance or social service programs. The law defines eligible programs to include state and local assistance such as SNAP, Work First New Jersey, and Medicaid. Applicants must submit documentation of their enrollment at the time of application to qualify for the fee waiver. The amendment modifies existing statutes to expand fee waiver eligibility beyond the current provision for homeless individuals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill waives fees for non-driver ID cards for Medicaid recipients, improving access to essential services for low-income individuals.75% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill provides fee waivers for ID cards to immigrants enrolled in public assistance, supporting immigrant access to services and integration.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Driver Licenses & IDs

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3888: Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities to create and distribute satisfaction survey.

This bill requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities to create and distribute a satisfaction survey to clients who use support coordination services. The survey will rate each support coordination agency on a five-star scale, with results updated and published quarterly on the division's website. Support coordination agencies assist individuals with developmental disabilities in accessing medical, social, educational, and other services. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, allowing the division to prepare for implementation in advance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves patient access to quality care by requiring satisfaction surveys for developmental disability support coordination services, enhancing accountability and service quality.75% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3866: Mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters; increases tax on fire insurance premiums.

This bill requires volunteer firefighters in New Jersey to receive state-funded cancer screenings at least once every three years, covering specific types of cancer including colon, lung, and prostate. The program reimburses up to $1,250 per three-year period for exams not covered by personal health insurance, with no co-pays or deductibles required. Funding comes from a dedicated state revolving fund that also receives additional revenue from a 0.1% tax on fire insurance premiums paid by out-of-state insurers. The tax revenue is split between the New Jersey Firemen's Home and the new firefighter screening fund, with the remainder returned to the State Firemen's Association.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases state funding for volunteer firefighter health services through a dedicated revolving fund, advancing public health program funding.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates cancer screenings for volunteer firefighters, funds them via state revolving fund, and protects access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Insurance

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

A 4704: Requires employer to provide certain accommodations to employee who is breast feeding.

This bill requires employers in New Jersey to provide accommodations to employees who are breastfeeding, adding breastfeeding to the list of protected characteristics under state employment discrimination laws. The legislation amends existing statutes to prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on breastfeeding status, ensuring they receive the same protections against unfair treatment as those afforded to other protected groups. By updating the Law Against Discrimination, the bill aims to support working parents by legally mandating workplace accommodations for breastfeeding needs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects breastfeeding employees' health rights and access to necessary accommodations, supporting maternal health care and workplace wellness.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands worker protections by requiring breastfeeding accommodations and adding breastfeeding to protected characteristics under employment discrimination laws.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SJR 133: Designates November of each year as "C. Difficile Awareness Month."

This bill designates November of each year as "C. Difficile Awareness Month" in New Jersey to increase public and healthcare worker awareness of Clostridioides Difficile infections. The measure establishes an annual observance period during which citizens and officials are encouraged to participate in activities and programs focused on educating the public about this bacterial infection and its prevention. The resolution also requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation to formally recognize the month and promote awareness efforts across the state. This symbolic designation aims to highlight the importance of infection prevention practices, such as proper hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, without mandating any specific policy changes or funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes public awareness of C. Difficile infections, which strengthens public health initiatives and supports healthcare worker education on infection prevention.85% confidence

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