Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4832: "Parkinson's Disease Public Awareness and Education Act."

This bill establishes a public awareness and education program for Parkinson's disease within the New Jersey Department of Health. The program aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the disease's symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle management. It authorizes the department to create outreach campaigns and educational materials while allowing the acceptance of federal grants or donations to fund these efforts. The legislation directly impacts state health officials, medical providers, and the general public by promoting better understanding and early detection of the condition.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a public awareness and education program for Parkinson's disease, funding outreach and materials to improve patient access and knowledge.90% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4078: Creates "New Jersey Dialysis Patient Support Person Accommodation Act."

This bill, known as the New Jersey Dialysis Patient Support Person Accommodation Act, requires licensed dialysis centers to allow patients to bring a designated support person during their treatment. The support person is permitted to assist with communication, mobility, and decision-making as needed, though centers may enforce reasonable health and safety rules that do not unreasonably block access. Facilities must create and display written policies on this access, train their staff on the new requirements, and allow patients to file complaints with the Department of Health if they are denied a support person.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves patient access to care by allowing support persons during dialysis, protecting patient rights and enhancing decision-making.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4839: Requires DHS to submit Medicaid State plan amendment to federal government requesting approval to create Health Home Program for certain Medicaid beneficiaries with sickle cell disease.

This New Jersey bill requires the state's Department of Human Services to apply for federal approval to create a special Health Home Program for Medicaid recipients with sickle cell disease who are at risk of developing another chronic condition. Once approved, the state must implement this program within 180 days to coordinate care for these patients, integrating services such as primary care, behavioral health, and long-term support. The legislation defines sickle cell disease as an inherited blood disorder and clarifies that a chronic condition is any persistent health issue lasting at least 12 months. By establishing this program, the bill aims to ensure that eligible individuals receive comprehensive, whole-person care rather than fragmented medical treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a new Health Home Program to coordinate care and integrate services for sickle cell patients, expanding access and support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Primary Care

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4068: Requires manufacturer of recalled medical devices to provide replacement device or pay for replacement device under certain circumstances.

This bill requires manufacturers of recalled medical devices in New Jersey to provide a replacement device at no cost to consumers or pay for one from another supplier if their own replacement is unavailable. The law applies specifically when a recall instructs users to stop using or return a device, mandating that the manufacturer fulfill this obligation within 30 days of the recall being issued. To enforce compliance, violations are classified as unlawful practices under the state's consumer fraud act, which can result in monetary penalties, cease and desist orders, and additional financial damages for injured parties.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by ensuring access to replacement medical devices during recalls, preventing harm and maintaining care continuity.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4867: Establishes toll free helpline for first responders, health care workers, and other frontline workers experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

This bill creates a toll-free helpline to support first responders, healthcare workers, and other frontline staff who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder related to their work during the pandemic. The New Jersey Department of Health will partner with Rutgers University to run this service, which will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for both workers and their families. Helpline operators will be trained in mental health issues specific to these professions and will refer callers to additional counseling and peer support when necessary. The program will protect the privacy of callers while allowing for tracking only in cases where there is a reasonable belief of imminent harm to the individual or others.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a toll-free helpline to support frontline healthcare workers with PTSD, directly advancing mental health services and protecting worker well-being.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4065: Prohibits wearable technology companies from selling users' health information without consent.

This bill prohibits wearable technology companies in New Jersey from selling or offering to sell consumers' health information without their express written consent. It defines "wearable technology" as devices worn on the body that track physical activities and health metrics, such as heart rate and sleep patterns, and applies to any company that develops or sells these devices. The law requires companies to obtain clear, written permission before monetizing data related to a user's past, present, or future physical or mental health condition. By adding this specific restriction to existing privacy statutes, the legislation aims to give individuals greater control over how their personal health data is used by device manufacturers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by prohibiting unauthorized sale of health data from wearable devices.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects consumer data privacy by requiring consent for wearable tech health data sales, aligning with digital rights and consumer protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4101: Establishes task force to examine public school programs and services designed to address student mental health.

This bill creates a 16-member Task Force on Student Mental Health to study how New Jersey public schools can better support students facing issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma. The group will include representatives from the state education and mental health departments, elected officials, educators, parents, and other school staff who will meet to review current services and compare them with successful programs in other states. After organizing within 30 days, the task force must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year, after which the group will dissolve.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a task force to examine and improve student mental health programs in public schools, directly enhancing student support services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a task force to improve student mental health services in public schools, directly advancing mental health support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4870: Regulates medication administration in certain residential facilities.

This bill regulates how medication is given to individuals with developmental disabilities in New Jersey group homes and supervised apartments. It mandates that only a nurse or a certified medication aide working directly under a nurse's supervision can administer these medications. The law also requires parents or legal guardians to provide specific medical instructions and dosage details before admission and whenever a medication regimen changes. These rules apply to licensed community-based residential programs and day programs that offer habilitation services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates professional administration of medication and requires guardian input, protecting patient safety and rights in healthcare settings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4095: Establishes Firefighter Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program; appropriates $1 million.

This New Jersey bill creates the Firefighter Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program to provide confidential mental health support to firefighters and their immediate family members who are experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts. The program will award grants to licensed mental health providers, with a $1 million appropriation from the General Fund to cover these costs. Selection criteria for grants will prioritize providers located within an hour's travel time of the patients they serve, and a list of approved providers will be published online. The legislation aims to address barriers to care, such as fear of job loss, by ensuring accessible and confidential treatment options.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to establish a mental health grant program for firefighters, directly increasing funding for a public service.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a grant program to fund mental health services for firefighters and families, directly increasing access and support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4702: Requires Commissioner of Human Services to establish 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline and develop hotline connection system to ensure that callers are connected to other appropriate hotlines when needed.

This bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to create a 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline for individuals seeking help with non-emergency mental health issues or crises. The hotline will be staffed by licensed professionals trained to connect callers with appropriate state and local services, resources, and healthcare providers, with a focus on regional availability and multilingual support in English and Spanish. If a caller indicates potential suicide risk, staff will immediately transfer them to the New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline using a warm hand-off method that keeps the caller connected throughout the transfer. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign targeting children and young adults, requires department websites to display the hotline number, and ensures the hotline operates separately from existing social services and mental health hotlines.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes 24-hour mental health hotline, expanding access to mental health services and resources for New Jersey residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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