Asm. Pam Lampitt

Maddy summaryBill A1642 amends New Jersey law to allow licensed healthcare providers other than physicians - such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants - to provide written clearance for student-athletes to return to sports after a concussion. Currently, only physicians were required to issue this clearance under state law. The bill specifies that these providers must be trained in concussion evaluation and management and authorized to diagnose and treat concussions. Student-athletes still must be evaluated by a qualified provider, return to regular school activities without symptoms, and follow CDC guidelines for safe return to play.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the High Efficiency Accelerated Learning Grant Program to provide high-impact tutoring for students in New Jersey who experienced learning loss during the pandemic. The program targets public school districts, charter schools, and partnerships with nonpublic schools, requiring tutoring in English language arts and math for all grades (pre-K through 12) with specific standards: small groups (max 5 students), at least 3 sessions weekly, led by trained tutors, and using data to monitor progress. Local education providers must apply for grants, with preference given to programs that continue beyond the grant period or partner with teacher preparation programs. The Tutoring Advisory Commission will oversee the program, evaluate its effectiveness, and report to the Governor and Legislature. Underperforming students will be automatically enrolled in the tutoring program, with parents able to opt their children out.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1662) prohibits mental health therapists and insurance companies from sharing or demanding specific patient information related to behavioral health care. It limits what insurers can request: basic patient details (name, session dates, fees), diagnostic codes, treatment status (voluntary/inpatient), simplified reasons for continuing care (using terms like "mild" or "severe"), and estimated treatment duration. The bill explicitly bans insurers from seeking "psychotherapy notes" (detailed session records kept separate from medical files) and requires any permitted disclosures to be marked "confidential." It directly affects mental health providers and health insurers in New Jersey, ensuring patient privacy aligns with professional licensing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey counties to establish regional authorities to develop and operate rehabilitation and reentry centers. Participating counties would create these authorities through inter-county agreements, with the authority having the power to issue bonds for construction and operations. The centers would be designated as public property serving public health and welfare, with the authority exempt from taxes and special assessments. Counties would fund their proportional share based on inmate population, and the authority would be required to conduct annual audits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals and licensed birthing centers offering maternity services in New Jersey to create and maintain written policies allowing patients to choose their own doula for support before, during, and after childbirth. Facilities must share these policies with healthcare providers, patients, and post a summary visibly in patient rooms and on their website within 180 days of the law taking effect. Each facility must also designate a staff liaison to connect with doulas and organizations regarding these policies. The law directly affects maternity care facilities and patients seeking doula support during childbirth.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) certified in other U.S. states, territories, or Puerto Rico to work in New Jersey without retaking certification exams, provided their home state's standards meet or exceed New Jersey's. It requires all applicants to undergo a criminal history background check through state and federal databases, with disqualification for convictions involving violence, arson, drug offenses, or other specified crimes. Existing EMTs must also complete this background check during their next recertification. The law mandates biennial background checks for all certified EMTs as part of renewal.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey law (P.L.2023, c.231) permits licensed cosmetologists, hairstylists, and related professionals to rent individual chairs or booths within salons instead of requiring them to own or lease entire premises. Previously, practitioners needed full ownership or lease arrangements for their workspace. The change lowers startup costs for independent stylists and small businesses offering cosmetology, hairstyling, and ancillary services like nail care. It directly affects licensed practitioners seeking flexible workspace options without full business ownership.