Sen. Joe Vitale

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under 21 years old. It requires that any delivery to a residence must be signed for by an adult resident (21+), with an exception for U.S. Postal Service employees under federal law. Violations by retailers or delivery services can result in civil fines ($250-$1,000 per violation) and potential license suspension for repeat offenses. The law applies to all tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes and related components, and amends existing New Jersey statutes governing tobacco sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish a legal framework for supervised psilocybin therapy in New Jersey for adults 21+ with behavioral health conditions. It creates licensed psilocybin service centers where trained facilitators provide guided sessions, requiring prior medical referrals and mandatory preparation/integration therapy sessions with mental health providers. The bill defines key terms like "administration session" and "adverse event," and mandates a regulatory system including a Psilocybin Advisory Board to oversee safety, prevent diversion, and ensure accessibility. It specifically targets conditions like depression, anxiety, and treatment-resistant depression, with provisions to develop a statewide strategic plan for long-term service delivery. The bill does not legalize recreational use but focuses on regulated medical access under strict supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens oversight of facilities providing care to people with developmental disabilities in New Jersey. It creates a "Residential Facility Quality of Care Improvement Fund" in the Department of Human Services (DHS), funded by fines collected from service providers who violate rules. Key provisions include imposing penalties up to $25,000 for serious violations like administrative neglect, failure to conduct required background checks, or not reporting abuse, and requiring providers to submit internal investigation reports within 180 days. The bill directly affects licensed residential providers and authorized service agencies operating under DHS contracts, enhancing DHS's authority to enforce standards through fines and corrective actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 3754 establishes a "Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee" within New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The committee will review cases of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have died or survived abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and assess how government systems respond to these cases. Composed of 12 members including medical professionals, disability advocates, and service providers, the committee will identify system improvements and recommend changes to strengthen prevention and reporting processes. The committee must submit findings and recommendations to state agencies within 27 months, and the state will appropriate funds to support this effort.

Maddy summaryS 4018 requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover screening, prevention, and treatment services for behavioral health issues in children under 18. It mandates that providers can bill for these services using an "at-risk diagnosis" (which considers factors like family circumstances without requiring a formal mental health diagnosis) and alternative codes like Social Determinants of Health Z-codes. The coverage must be provided at the same level as other medical services for all covered children. This applies to all health insurance carriers, the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and New Jersey's Medicaid program (NJ FamilyCare).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's child abuse and neglect laws to include individuals aged 18-21 in certain settings under the definition of "child" for protection purposes. Specifically, it revises the definition of "child" to mean any person under 21 years old who is alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited by a teacher, employee, contractor, or volunteer of an institution regulated by the Department of Children and Families. The bill extends protections to individuals in institutions (including day schools) who are between 18 and 21 years old, currently falling under separate jurisdiction for individuals with developmental disabilities. This change transfers full investigative responsibility for these cases from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Families for the population served in regulated facilities.

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 (S 4816) expands New Jersey's list of healthcare projects exempt from the state's certificate of need (CON) requirement. It specifically adds two new exemptions for maternity and neonatal care facilities: (1) adding intermediate or intensive bassinets, and (2) increasing the level of neonatal care designation, both without needing prior CON approval regardless of existing neonatal care certification. The bill clarifies that reducing bassinets or decreasing neonatal care levels would **not** be exempt and would still require a CON. These changes directly affect hospitals and maternity facilities seeking to expand or upgrade neonatal services.

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.