Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DHS) and the State Board of Medical Examiners to create a faster process for reviewing applications from doctors who want to join NJ FamilyCare (the state's Medicaid and children's health insurance program). Specifically, the medical board must share a physician's license number with DHS within 5 days of issuing it (or provide denial documentation within 5 days if licensure is denied), and DHS must begin processing applications immediately if they include license details or proof of pending licensure. DHS must also notify applicants within 10 days of receiving the license number if additional documents are needed. The bill does not change existing licensing or enrollment requirements and clarifies that approval cannot be granted before DHS receives a National Provider Identifier number.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows adults, emancipated minors, and their authorized representatives (like parents or legal guardians) to create a formal written directive preventing healthcare providers from prescribing or administering opioids. The directive must be created using a form developed by the New Jersey Department of Health and entered into the patient's electronic health record. Healthcare providers are protected from liability or disciplinary action for following the directive in good faith, though opioids may still be prescribed if medically necessary. Individuals can revoke the directive at any time, either orally or in writing.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, or propagation of specific invasive plant species in New Jersey without a permit from the Department of Agriculture. It establishes a New Jersey Invasive Species Council to help identify and manage invasive species, and requires the Department to develop a list of regulated species based on ecological harm rather than just non-nativeness. Businesses selling plants will need permits for regulated species and must provide labeling and educational materials to consumers about preventing spread. The bill sets up a penalty system for violations, with fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. Certain plant cultivars of Chinese Silvergrass (NCMS1 and Tift M77) are exempt from the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes municipalities and school districts to install school bus monitoring systems with cameras to capture vehicles illegally passing school buses. If a violation is recorded by such a system, the violator would face a $250 civil penalty instead of criminal penalties, with collected funds going to the municipality or school district for safety programs. The monitoring systems must capture specific evidence including the bus's flashing lights, the violating vehicle's license plate, and the date/time/location of the violation. Recorded images are not public records and must be purged within 95 days of recording. The registered owner of the vehicle would be liable for the penalty unless they can prove the vehicle was used without consent or was stolen.

Maddy summaryS 1965 requires New Jersey long-term care facilities (including nursing homes and assisted living residences) to have a consultant pharmacist and either a provider pharmacist or an in-house pharmacy director. It mandates an interdisciplinary pharmacy committee - comprising the facility administrator, nursing staff, and consultant pharmacist - to meet quarterly and maintain records. The bill also prohibits consultant pharmacists from having conflicts of interest with facility pharmacy staff and requires proper Drug Enforcement Administration registration for facilities storing controlled substances. These requirements take effect immediately, with the Health Commissioner authorized to create implementing rules. The bill directly affects all licensed long-term care facilities in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey nursing homes to have a licensed pharmacist serving as either a consultant pharmacist or director of pharmaceutical services, and to establish an interdisciplinary pharmacy committee. The committee, which must include the facility administrator, nursing staff representative, and consultant pharmacist, must meet at least quarterly and maintain detailed records of its work. Nursing homes must also appoint a consultant pharmacist who avoids conflicts of interest with the facility's pharmacy staff, and must ensure proper handling of controlled substances if kept on-site. These requirements apply to all licensed nursing homes in New Jersey, aiming to standardize and oversee medicine management for residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." It establishes a $500 fine for violations and allows pet shops to sell other animals or pet supplies, while enabling collaboration with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" for animals and specifies that an animal's death within 14 days of sale (except by accident) would be considered evidence of being unfit. It also prohibits animal rescue organizations, shelters, and pounds from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for compensation. The law does not affect pet dealers (not pet shops) or consumer rights for animals purchased from them.

Maddy summaryThis bill, A1888, protects residents of long-term care facilities (including nursing homes, assisted living residences, and dementia care homes) and individuals in the admission process. It prohibits facility staff, owners, or financially affiliated persons from serving as a resident's legal representative (guardian or attorney-in-fact), invalidating any such power of attorney. The bill requires facilities to use a standardized state-developed admission form, bans signing non-admission documents at entry, and mandates posting a notice about hiring an attorney for Medicaid applications. It also sets rules for non-attorney Medicaid assistance, requiring training and prohibiting fees for such services.

Maddy summaryThe "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey" requires all voting policies to be interpreted in ways that maximize voting access for all eligible voters, particularly members of racial, color, and language-minority groups. It prohibits voting practices that burden protected class members and mandates language assistance for limited English proficient voters. The bill creates a preclearance process for voting changes in jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations and establishes the New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain public voting data. These provisions aim to ensure equitable access to voting and protect against voter suppression and vote dilution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about doulas. It mandates the campaign to explain doulas' roles before, during, and after pregnancy; detail their services and research-supported benefits; and list free or low-cost doula resources. The campaign must provide materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey, available online and distributed through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood locations, pharmacies, and community organizations. The goal is to increase public understanding and access to doula services for pregnant and postpartum individuals statewide.