Maddy summaryThe "Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act" requires New Jersey health insurance companies and health plans to publicly disclose their prior authorization requirements, clinical criteria, and approval/denial statistics on their websites in plain language. It mandates that physicians - not administrative staff - make decisions on denied services (adverse determinations) and sets strict time limits for decisions (one business day for routine services, 24 hours for urgent care). The law prohibits prior authorization for emergency services, medications for opioid use disorder, and certain generic medications, while preventing insurers from revoking authorizations within 45 business days of care being provided. This bill directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients by making the prior authorization process more transparent and patient-focused.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to regularly share locations of safe disposal sites for used needles and prescription drugs with the Statewide 2-1-1 telephone system. The information will be made available to anyone calling 2-1-1 who requests it. It directly affects residents seeking safe disposal options for medical waste, particularly those managing at-home medication use or injection-related items. The requirement takes effect 180 days after the bill is signed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires pharmacies to document and explain why they cannot fill certain prescriptions. Specifically, if a pharmacy determines a prescription is unlawful, it must cite the violating law, briefly explain the reason, record it in the patient's profile, and share this information with both the patient and their prescribing doctor within 72 hours. The law applies directly to pharmacies and affects patients whose prescriptions are not filled, ensuring transparency without allowing pharmacies to override doctors' authority or create stricter internal rules. It does not change which prescriptions are legally fillable but mandates clear documentation for non-filling decisions.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility, costs, and marketability of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems statewide. The study requires the BPU to assess installation challenges, compare geothermal energy costs with natural gas/propane/fuel oil in buildings, evaluate potential financial incentives, and consult with experts, other states (like Massachusetts and New York), and utilities. It mandates the BPU to report findings and recommend a pilot program within one year. The study directly affects the BPU and will inform future decisions about incentives for builders, ratepayers, and government entities considering geothermal systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey long-term care facilities - including nursing homes, assisted living residences, and residential health care facilities - to post specific information about the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman on their public websites. Facilities must display the ombudsman's general duties, their role in advocating for residents, and contact details. The bill defines "long-term care facility" to cover all entities licensed under existing state law (P.L.1971, c.136). The Commissioner of Health may create implementing rules, and the law takes effect immediately.
Maddy summaryThis bill would expand New Jersey's drug paraphernalia law exemptions to include specific harm reduction supplies. Currently, fentanyl test strips and hypodermic needles sold by pharmacies are exempt from drug paraphernalia charges. The bill would add exemptions for equipment used to test controlled substances, dilutants, mixing devices, and other materials provided by authorized harm reduction services. These exemptions would apply to items like naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and supplies designed to prevent disease transmission and overdose. The bill would directly affect harm reduction service providers, individuals using these services, and law enforcement who would no longer pursue drug paraphernalia charges for these specific items.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A2958) would require New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to request federal authorization allowing SNAP (food stamp) benefits to cover delivery fees for online grocery orders. Currently, SNAP funds cannot pay for delivery charges, even though New Jersey participates in a USDA pilot program enabling online grocery purchases through retailers like Amazon and 17 participating stores. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients who use online grocery delivery services, as it seeks to expand their benefit usage to include delivery fees. The request would be made to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, which administers the federal SNAP program.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) after two years, with limited exceptions for certain facilities. It allows oil refineries and petroleum terminals to continue using PFAS-containing foam for up to eight years, with potential extensions through a waiver process requiring proof of no available alternatives. The bill requires manufacturers to recall PFAS-containing foam within 27 months and directs the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a collection and disposal program for such foam, appropriating $250,000 for initial funding. Fire departments and facilities using PFAS-containing foam must report usage and implement containment measures to prevent environmental releases. The law aims to protect public health and the environment from PFAS contamination while providing a transition period for essential facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers to label non-flushable disposable wipes (such as those for diapering, personal hygiene, or bathroom cleaning) with a standardized "Do Not Flush" logo on product packaging. The logo must clearly show a toilet with a prohibition symbol and be sized appropriately for the package, visible when dispensing wipes. It applies to sellers and manufacturers of these wipes but excludes flushable products (like labeled toilet tissue) and media advertisements. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 per offense, enforced by New Jersey's Environmental Protection and Consumer Affairs agencies.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A2126) requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to clearly post a toll-free customer service phone number at all official vehicle inspection facilities. Drivers using these facilities can call the number to report problems with the inspection process itself, such as technical issues or service concerns. The law takes immediate effect upon passage and directly affects drivers seeking vehicle inspections across New Jersey.