S 337 New Jersey Senate · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Establishes pilot program for 24-hour urgent care for behavioral health.

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program to integrate 24-hour behavioral health services into hospital urgent care facilities across New Jersey. It requires participating urgent care centers to employ at least one licensed behavioral clinician and social worker, partner with psychiatrists via telehealth, and use "warm hand-offs" and rapid referrals to connect patients with ongoing care. The program targets individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, aiming to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and inpatient admissions by providing immediate, integrated care. Funding will come through Medicaid using a value-based payment system that reimburses managed care organizations quarterly for behavioral health services provided under the pilot. The pilot will operate in six hospitals (two per geographic region), prioritizing pediatric care facilities where feasible.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024 Last action Jan 9, 2024
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Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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