Healthcare in New Jersey

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

A 4896: "Behavioral Health Crisis Mobile Response Act."

This bill establishes a statewide system of mobile crisis response teams to assist adults with disabilities who are experiencing behavioral health emergencies. The legislation requires these teams to provide face-to-face support for up to 72 hours at the individual's home or current location, with the option to transport them to temporary stabilization units for up to seven days if needed. Key provisions include the creation of individualized crisis stabilization plans and the authorization of mobile crisis response agencies to deliver these services around the clock. The act aims to de-escalate crises and stabilize individuals without relying solely on traditional emergency services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4186: "Dementia Dignity and Advance Care Planning Act."

This bill creates a new legal process for New Jersey residents with dementia to create specific advance care plans that outline their medical wishes for when they can no longer communicate. It allows individuals to formally request "comfort feeding only," which means receiving food and fluids by hand for comfort while prohibiting life-sustaining measures like feeding tubes. To ensure these plans are followed, the state will establish a secure online registry for healthcare providers to access, and facilities will be required to honor these documents. The legislation also includes protections for medical staff who act in good faith according to these directives and mandates training programs to help caregivers understand and implement the new rules.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4201: Authorizes coverage of prescriptive hormone replacement therapy.

This New Jersey bill requires private health plans, state-purchased insurance contracts, and Medicaid to cover a 12-month supply of prescription hormone replacement therapy for individuals who do not need refrigeration. The legislation defines these drugs as FDA-approved medications used to regulate hormone levels but explicitly excludes certain weight-loss drugs. While the law mandates this coverage, it allows for specific exceptions, such as limiting refills during the last quarter of a plan year if a full supply was already provided, or temporarily reducing supplies to 90 days during acute drug shortages. Additionally, insurance providers retain the ability to use standard drug management strategies to oversee how these medications are prescribed and dispensed.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicaid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4238: 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. It allocates $10 million to fund grants and cooperative agreements with public and private nonprofit organizations, prioritizing those that serve underserved and minority communities. The funding supports activities such as conducting medical research, training healthcare providers, developing public awareness materials, and offering fellowships to specialists in nephrology. Additionally, the legislation mandates a study on diagnostic methods and treatment options while ensuring that research evaluations do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

AJR 185: Designates May of each year as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" in New Jersey.

This bill designates May of each year as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" throughout New Jersey to promote public education on these conditions. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic designation to encourage awareness, prevention, and support for individuals affected by asthma and allergies. The resolution allows the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling on residents and officials to participate in relevant activities during the month.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

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

A 5058: Authorizes parking privileges for certain immediate family members of persons with dementia.

This New Jersey bill creates a special parking placard program for immediate family members of individuals diagnosed with dementia. The legislation allows these caregivers to apply for a permit that grants access to parking spaces typically reserved for residents, municipal lots, and medical facilities, including overnight parking in restricted areas and extended metered time. To obtain the placard, applicants must provide proof that they are actively rendering health or personal care services to a family member with dementia, and the permit is valid for two years with a modest application and renewal fee. The bill also establishes penalties for misuse, such as using the placard for non-caregiving purposes or submitting false information, and requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to maintain a registry of issued permits.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

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

AJR 179: Designates April 11 of each year as "World Parkinson's Day" in NJ.

This bill designates April 11 of each year as "World Parkinson's Day" in New Jersey to raise awareness about Parkinson's Disease. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging communities and organizations to observe the day, potentially by lighting landmarks in blue. It directly affects residents, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocacy groups by formally recognizing the impact of the disease and promoting public engagement. The measure does not allocate funding or change laws but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor those living with the condition and support ongoing research efforts.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

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

A 4910: Establishes "Support for Immigration Enforcement-Affected Students Fund" in DOE to support public schools in addressing impact of immigration enforcement activities.

This bill creates a new fund within the New Jersey Department of Education to help public schools support students impacted by immigration enforcement activities. The fund will be financed through annual state appropriations, federal grants, and other available monies, and it will remain in place without expiring. Schools receiving money from this fund can use it to provide trauma-informed mental health services, address the effects of parental separation, and hire or train staff to deliver these supports. To ensure accountability, the Department of Education will determine how to distribute the money, and schools must report on how they use the funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Mental Health Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4190: Requires DHS to submit Medicaid State plan amendment to federal government requesting approval to create Health Home Program for certain Medicaid beneficiaries with sickle cell disease.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Human Services to request federal approval for a new Health Home Program specifically for Medicaid recipients with sickle cell disease who are at risk of developing a second chronic condition. Once approved, the state must implement this program within 180 days, which involves coordinating primary, acute, behavioral, and long-term care services to address the needs of these patients as a whole. The legislation also mandates the creation of necessary rules and regulations to support the program's operation.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4311: "Self-Directed Care Access Act"; requires DHS to establish common intake system and application process for Medicaid self-directed care programs.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a single online portal that allows individuals to apply for and manage their own home and community-based services through various Medicaid waiver programs. The system will include a standardized application form and an automated screening process that matches eligible applicants with the appropriate self-directed care options. Additionally, the bill requires uniform documentation rules to simplify the hiring process for personal care workers hired directly by program participants. These changes aim to streamline access to existing services while remaining subject to necessary federal approvals.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Medicaid Digital Government

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