Healthcare in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5100: Authorizes DOH to promulgate clinical guidelines for outpatient gynecological procedures and creates advisory committee.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Health to create clinical guidelines for managing pain during outpatient gynecological procedures, such as cervical biopsies and IUD insertions. The guidelines must recommend specific pain relief methods, including local anesthesia and analgesics, and will be developed within 180 days after the law is passed. Before finalizing these rules, the Department must form an advisory committee made up of healthcare providers, medical professionals, and patient advocates to provide input and monitor the guidelines' effectiveness. The legislation also requires the Department to update the guidelines periodically based on ongoing surveys and feedback from the advisory committee.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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

A 5012: Requires certain standards be established for contracts between pharmacy benefits managers and health benefits plans.

This bill requires health benefits plans in New Jersey to allow any pharmacy that meets standard contract terms to participate in their network when pharmacy benefits managers are involved. It mandates that contract terms between these entities be reasonable and relevant, with the state Commissioner of Banking and Insurance responsible for defining these standards by reviewing current agreements and ensuring reimbursement fees cover operational costs. The law applies to contracts initiated or renewed after its enactment, which is set to take effect thirteen months after introduction.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4385: Requires school districts to permit students excused absences for student illness.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts to classify student illnesses as excused absences, provided parents or guardians submit supporting documentation when the student returns. To ensure consistency, the State Commissioner of Education will work with the Commissioner of Health to create specific guidelines defining what constitutes a valid illness and what types of proof schools may request. The law applies to all school districts in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year following its enactment.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Student Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5116: Modifies requirements for licensure in marriage and family therapy.

This bill updates the licensing rules for marriage and family therapists in New Jersey by adjusting education, experience, and testing requirements. It lowers the supervised experience needed from three years to two years and reduces the waiting period after failing a licensing exam from six months to 90 days. The legislation also clarifies that applicants can take the licensing exam before finishing their required supervised work hours. These changes directly affect individuals seeking to become licensed or associate marriage and family therapists in the state.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5135: Establishes certain protections for drivers and holders of non-driver identification cards diagnosed with certain disabilities.

This bill allows individuals in New Jersey diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders, or acquired brain injuries to voluntarily add these conditions to their driver's licenses or non-driver ID cards. To qualify, individuals must submit specific medical documentation, and the Motor Vehicle Commission will work with health officials to define these requirements. Additionally, the bill creates a secure statewide registry where people can share their diagnosis and emergency contact details with law enforcement to aid communication during traffic stops. The legislation also mandates that the state develop and distribute guidance to police officers on how to effectively interact with individuals who have these disabilities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

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

A 5020: Prohibits pharmacy benefit manager from using spread pricing as model of prescription drug pricing; requires transparency in provision of pharmacy benefits management services.

This bill prohibits pharmacy benefit managers in New Jersey from using spread pricing, a model where patients pay more at the pharmacy counter than the plan's negotiated rate, and requires full transparency in how these companies are compensated. Under the new rules, any rebates or fees received by these managers must be passed entirely to the health plan or carrier, while the managers can still charge a standard administrative fee for their services. The legislation also mandates that carriers closely monitor the managers' activities and ensures that patients never pay more at the point of sale than they would if they bought the medication without insurance. To enforce these changes, pharmacy benefit managers must submit detailed financial statements and audits to the state department on a quarterly and annual basis, and the department will publish a yearly report on how these pricing practices affect overall health plan costs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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

A 4896: "Behavioral Health Crisis Mobile Response Act."

This bill establishes a statewide system of mobile crisis response teams to assist adults with disabilities who are experiencing behavioral health emergencies. The legislation requires these teams to provide face-to-face support for up to 72 hours at the individual's home or current location, with the option to transport them to temporary stabilization units for up to seven days if needed. Key provisions include the creation of individualized crisis stabilization plans and the authorization of mobile crisis response agencies to deliver these services around the clock. The act aims to de-escalate crises and stabilize individuals without relying solely on traditional emergency services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4186: "Dementia Dignity and Advance Care Planning Act."

This bill creates a new legal process for New Jersey residents with dementia to create specific advance care plans that outline their medical wishes for when they can no longer communicate. It allows individuals to formally request "comfort feeding only," which means receiving food and fluids by hand for comfort while prohibiting life-sustaining measures like feeding tubes. To ensure these plans are followed, the state will establish a secure online registry for healthcare providers to access, and facilities will be required to honor these documents. The legislation also includes protections for medical staff who act in good faith according to these directives and mandates training programs to help caregivers understand and implement the new rules.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4201: Authorizes coverage of prescriptive hormone replacement therapy.

This New Jersey bill requires private health plans, state-purchased insurance contracts, and Medicaid to cover a 12-month supply of prescription hormone replacement therapy for individuals who do not need refrigeration. The legislation defines these drugs as FDA-approved medications used to regulate hormone levels but explicitly excludes certain weight-loss drugs. While the law mandates this coverage, it allows for specific exceptions, such as limiting refills during the last quarter of a plan year if a full supply was already provided, or temporarily reducing supplies to 90 days during acute drug shortages. Additionally, insurance providers retain the ability to use standard drug management strategies to oversee how these medications are prescribed and dispensed.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicaid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4238: Establishes "End-Stage Kidney Disease Prevention and Innovation Act"; appropriates $10 million.

This bill creates the "End-Stage Kidney Disease Prevention and Innovation Act" to establish research centers focused on rare kidney diseases within New Jersey's Department of Health. It allocates $10 million to fund grants and cooperative agreements with public and private nonprofit organizations, prioritizing those that serve underserved and minority communities. The funding supports activities such as conducting medical research, training healthcare providers, developing public awareness materials, and offering fellowships to specialists in nephrology. Additionally, the legislation mandates a study on diagnostic methods and treatment options while ensuring that research evaluations do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health

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