Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

AJR 183: Permanently designates the first Friday in February as "Give Kids a Smile Day" in New Jersey.

This bill permanently designates the first Friday in February as "Give Kids A Smile Day" throughout New Jersey to highlight the importance of oral health for children. The measure aims to connect underserved families with dental professionals for free screenings, education, and treatment while raising public awareness about access to dental care. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy, the resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage community participation in the event. As a commemorative joint resolution, it does not alter existing laws or funding but establishes an official state observance date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes oral health access for underserved children through free screenings and treatment.90% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4170: "Community-led Birthing Justice and Equity Resource Initiative Program Act;" appropriates $12 million.

This bill establishes a $12 million program to fund community-led initiatives aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes for Black families in New Jersey. The funding is directed toward underserved urban areas, including Newark, Trenton, and Atlantic City, to support culturally congruent care provided by Black medical professionals, midwives, and doulas. By creating resource centers that address systemic barriers and provide holistic support, the legislation seeks to reduce the state's high rates of preventable pregnancy-related deaths and infant mortality among Black women. The initiative specifically targets regions with significant health disparities to ensure equitable access to prenatal care and wellness services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $12M to fund community-led initiatives improving maternal and infant health outcomes and supporting Black medical professionals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4180: Establishes Commission on Black Women and Girls.

This bill creates a new Commission on Black Women and Girls in New Jersey to address their specific needs through education, health, and policy recommendations. The commission will consist of eleven members, including several state officials and three public members appointed by the Governor to represent medical research and community organizations. Its primary function is to identify and suggest programs focused on issues like social-emotional learning, access to higher education, restorative justice in schools, and comprehensive sexual health education. While housed within the Department of Children and Families, the commission operates independently and has the authority to request information from various government entities to carry out its work.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a commission to address specific health needs of Black women and girls, including social-emotional learning and access to programs.75% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4348: Requires creation of central registry of residents with special needs for use during emergencies.

This bill establishes a central registry in New Jersey to help emergency responders identify and assist residents with special needs during crises. Individuals or their legal guardians can voluntarily sign up to provide details such as their address, phone number, medical plans, and specific assistance requirements. Once registered, this information is shared with local police, fire departments, and emergency services to ensure they can prepare appropriate aid when responding to 9-1-1 calls or other emergencies. The legislation also mandates a public awareness campaign to encourage registration and restricts access to the data to only authorized emergency personnel and state officials.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves patient access to emergency care by creating a registry that ensures responders can provide appropriate aid to residents with special needs.85% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4203: Requires certain standards be established for contracts between pharmacy benefits managers and health benefits plans.

This bill requires health benefits plans in New Jersey that use pharmacy benefits managers to allow any pharmacy meeting standard contract terms to join their network. The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance will define these terms as reasonable and relevant by reviewing existing contracts and ensuring reimbursement fees cover pharmacy ingredient and operational costs. The law applies to new or renewed contracts between health plans and pharmacy managers starting thirteen months after it is enacted.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes patient access by requiring health plans to allow any pharmacy meeting standard terms to join their network, preventing restrictive contracting practices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 4194: Revises certain requirements for prescription of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances via telemedicine and telehealth without in-person examination or review.*

This bill allows New Jersey healthcare providers to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances, such as certain pain medications, through telemedicine without requiring an in-person examination. It permits these prescriptions based on a remote provider-patient relationship, provided the provider has reviewed the patient's medical records and determined they can meet the standard of care remotely. The legislation also mandates that providers disclose their credentials, offer patients the option to see a physician specifically, and ensure proper follow-up care is arranged. By amending existing state laws, the bill expands access to specific controlled medications for patients using virtual healthcare services while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands patient access to essential pain medications via telemedicine, removing barriers to care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telehealth

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4322: Requires healthcare platforms to advise and consult with consumers.

This bill requires healthcare platforms in New Jersey to advise and consult with consumers regarding the therapeutic values, hazards, and uses of drugs, biologicals, and devices they send. The law mandates that these platforms provide this information using electronic methods such as email, text messaging, or video calls. It directly affects online services that allow members to obtain discounts on medications or access telemedicine services. The legislation clarifies that these platforms must follow existing pharmacy practice standards when communicating with users about their prescriptions and medical devices.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates platforms to advise consumers on drug safety and usage, enhancing patient access to information and protecting patient rights.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates electronic communication for consumer protection, enhancing digital rights and accessibility in healthcare.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Telehealth Digital Government

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5041: Requires all students enrolled in grades six through 12 to have certain physical examination that includes cardiac component.

This bill mandates that all students in grades six through twelve in New Jersey public and nonpublic schools undergo a specific physical examination that includes a cardiac component. To ensure this requirement is met, the physical must be performed by a licensed healthcare professional who has completed specialized training to recognize signs of heart disease and abnormalities. Schools are required to keep a signed form from the provider confirming that this specific training was completed before the student can participate in school activities. The law takes effect immediately and applies to the 2023-2024 school year, expanding upon existing rules that already require similar exams for student athletes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates health screenings to ensure student safety and well-being, protecting access to education by preventing cardiac incidents in schools.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates cardiac screenings for students, improving access to preventive healthcare and protecting student health.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4944: Requires DOH to evaluate hospital compliance with federal hospital price transparency requirements.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to monitor and evaluate hospitals for compliance with federal rules on price transparency. The state agency will use methods such as reviewing complaints and auditing hospital websites to check if facilities are properly displaying their standard charges online. If a hospital is found noncompliant, the department can issue warnings, demand a corrective action plan, or impose civil monetary penalties that will be published on the department's website. Additionally, the department must publish an annual report detailing these compliance findings and any recommendations for the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enforces price transparency to protect patients from hidden costs and improve access to clear pricing information.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4228: Establishes "Targeted Midwifery Workforce Development Act"; appropriates $12 million.

This bill creates the Targeted Midwifery Workforce Development Act to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes in New Jersey. It allocates $12 million to expand training and support for midwives, aiming to increase access to culturally competent care for Black communities who currently face higher risks of pregnancy-related death and infant mortality. The legislation directly affects healthcare providers, educational institutions, and state agencies involved in workforce development and maternal health services. By investing in midwifery education and addressing systemic inequities, the bill seeks to improve birth outcomes and reduce the gap between Black and white residents in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $12M to expand midwifery training and address maternal health disparities, directly strengthening healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Women's Health

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