Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3039: Permits telemedicine services to be provided using audio-only technology when providing behavioral health care services.

This bill allows New Jersey health care providers to use audio-only technology (like phone calls) for behavioral health care services, such as treating mild to moderate anxiety or depression, instead of requiring video. It specifically applies to these "mild to moderate" mental health conditions and excludes severe mental illness, severe emotional disorders, or substance use treatment. The law maintains all other telemedicine requirements, including provider licensing, patient record reviews, and standard of care. This change makes behavioral health telemedicine more accessible for patients without reliable video technology.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows audio-only telemedicine for mild/moderate behavioral health, expanding access without video requirements, directly supporting mental health service accessibility.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Telehealth

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AR 80: Urges U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize and fund existing paratransit transportation networks to transport disabled veterans to and from its New Jersey medical centers.

This resolution urges the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to stop using current transportation providers for disabled veterans traveling to New Jersey’s two VA medical centers (in East Orange and Lyons) and instead fund existing county paratransit services or nonprofit organizations like ARC of New Jersey. It directly affects approximately 53,000 disabled veterans in New Jersey who face inadequate transportation, including reports of veterans being stranded for hours or overnight. The key mechanism is redirecting VA funds to expand existing high-quality paratransit networks - already serving seniors and disabled residents - to cover VA medical appointments, rather than relying on underfunded or inconsistent VA-provided services. The resolution has no legal force but requests the VA reconsider its transportation partnerships.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates VA to fund paratransit for disabled veterans' medical transportation, directly improving access to healthcare facilities for 53k veterans.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly urges VA to fund existing paratransit networks for disabled veterans, directly advancing transportation infrastructure funding for public transit services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates VA to fund paratransit for disabled veterans' medical transport, resolving inadequate service affecting 53k veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3501: Requires DHS and DCF to employ Director of Medical Services; appropriates $480,000.

This bill creates two new full-time positions: a Director of Medical Services for the Office of Program Integrity and Accountability in the Department of Human Services (DHS) and a similar role for the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit in the Department of Children and Families (DCF). These directors must be licensed physicians who will advise on complex medical aspects of abuse, neglect, and death investigations, provide expert testimony, and review medical practices at care facilities to improve outcomes. The bill appropriates $480,000 total ($240,000 per department) from the General Fund to hire these positions. It directly affects DHS and DCF operations and their oversight of investigations into abuse and neglect cases involving medical complexities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $480,000 for new medical oversight positions in DHS/DCF, directly funding essential state services per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $480k for physician directors to oversee medical aspects of abuse investigations and facility reviews, strengthening healthcare oversight in state agencies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3793: Requires health care facilities to screen health care workers and first responders for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder related to COVID-19 pandemic.

This bill (A 3793) requires New Jersey health care facilities to screen health care workers and first responders - those who provided pandemic response or essential services during the COVID-19 crisis - for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the pandemic when they seek inpatient or outpatient care. Facilities must avoid redundant screenings across the state, respect an individual’s right to refuse screening, and offer referrals to treatment resources and links to mental health information if symptoms are identified. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services must develop a screening tool and publish resource links on its website, which facilities must share with affected workers and link to via the Department of Health’s website. The law aims to ensure timely access to mental health support for pandemic responders through standardized, non-intrusive screening and resource coordination.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates PTSD screenings and treatment referrals for healthcare workers, advancing mental health services within healthcare facilities per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1606: Establishes two-year pilot program for certain mental health care facilities to treat additional juvenile patients.

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program allowing select mental health facilities to treat juvenile patients (ages 14-17) in vacant adult treatment beds. To participate, facilities must employ juvenile psychiatrists, have staff trained for youth, offer age-appropriate programs, and be licensed for both adult and juvenile care. During the pilot, facilities may place juveniles in vacant adult beds when clinically appropriate and move adults to voluntary beds when feasible. The program ends after a report evaluates its impact on care quality for both adult and juvenile patients.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands mental health treatment for juveniles (14-17), supporting rehabilitation - a key component of criminal justice reform.80% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates pilot program expanding juvenile mental health access by utilizing vacant beds with required youth-specific staffing and programs, directly advancing mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 9, 2026

A 4074: Establishes reproductive health travel advisory.

This New Jersey bill (A4074) requires the state Department of State to create a public "Reproductive Health Travel Advisory" to inform residents about reproductive healthcare access in other states. The advisory categorizes states into three tiers: "Blue" (normal access), "Yellow" (restricted access with legal risks), and "Red" (extreme restrictions risking health outcomes). It details specific restrictions like gestational bans, medication limits, and legal protections for patients and providers. The advisory will be published online and updated whenever states change their reproductive healthcare laws. It directly affects New Jersey residents who may travel while pregnant and need to make informed decisions about emergency care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides advisory to inform residents about reproductive healthcare access in other states, enhancing patient access to care options and protecting rights to navigate restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3578: Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree nursing programs.

This bill establishes a process for New Jersey county colleges to apply for approval to offer four-year nursing degree programs. County colleges must submit detailed proposals to the New Jersey Presidents' Council, including program descriptions, facility details, cost analyses, curriculum plans, and enrollment projections. The Council reviews proposals within 45 days, recommends approval or denial to the Higher Education Secretary, and colleges must also secure accreditation from the New Jersey Board of Nursing. This directly affects county colleges seeking to expand nursing education and addresses a state-level need for more nursing graduates.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables county colleges to offer baccalaureate nursing programs, expanding higher education access and program availability without restrictions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables nursing education expansion, directly supporting healthcare workforce development and improving access to medical services through increased nurse training pathways.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1437: Requires emergency medical services provider to provide certain information regarding person who experienced drug overdose to DLPS.

This bill requires emergency medical services (EMS) providers in New Jersey - who administer opioid antidotes or treat drug overdose victims - to share specific information about the patient with the Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS). The information, determined by the Attorney General, will be used to connect overdose survivors with harm reduction strategies and recovery resources, aiming to reduce immediate health risks. EMS providers include ambulance services, mobile medical units, and first aid squads. The Attorney General, with health officials, must later create rules to implement this requirement.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareConnects overdose survivors to harm reduction/recovery resources, advancing public health initiatives to reduce health risks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 977: Creates New Jersey Board of Paramedicine.

This bill creates the New Jersey Board of Paramedicine to regulate paramedic and EMT licensing and practice. It establishes a 11-member board with specific qualifications, including four active mobile intensive care paramedics, two EMTs, medical specialists, and public members. The board will set standards for advanced life support (paramedics) and basic life support (EMTs), oversee licensing, and define paramedicine as a regulated healthcare practice encompassing pre-hospital care and community health services. The bill does not change current service standards but creates the governing body to administer these regulations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates regulatory board to standardize paramedic/EMT licensing and practice, strengthening pre-hospital healthcare oversight and professional standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1765: Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

This bill allows New Jersey colleges to let final-year graduate students in mental health fields (like psychology or social work) graduate early or enter clinical residencies before the usual graduation date during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years. To qualify, students must complete all coursework, and institutions must assign a staff mentor to guide them during their residency. It specifically covers licensed mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists. The law aims to address pandemic-related mental health workforce shortages by accelerating student entry into practice.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables early graduation/residency for mental health graduate students at NJ higher ed institutions, supporting educational progression in higher education without restrictions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables early graduation/residency for mental health students, strengthening workforce access to mental health services during critical academic years.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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