Requires Director of Division of Developmental Disabilities to align rates for self-directed employees with maximum service provider rates.

This bill requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities to set maximum hourly rates for self-directed employees (caregivers hired directly by eligible individuals) equal to the rates paid to contracted service providers for identical services, duration, and care level. Currently, self-directed employee rates average $20-$25/hour for high-acuity support, while service providers receive about $51/hour for the same care. The bill mandates that the division establish provider rates as the ceiling for self-directed rates, closing this pay gap. It directly affects individuals using self-direction services and their authorized representatives who hire personal caregivers.