This bill aims to improve access to substance use disorder treatment in New Jersey by mandating Medicaid coverage for services provided by community-based organizations. It introduces new definitions related to opioid treatment, such as "medication for opioid use disorder," "medication unit," and "multidisciplinary team." The legislation allows opioid treatment programs to establish medication units that can offer services like intake assessments and medication-assisted treatment, ensuring that patients are not denied treatment for refusing counseling or missing doses. Additionally, it streamlines the licensure process for treatment centers and sets specific standards for community-based organizations to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement.

The bill also emphasizes harm reduction services and establishes a framework for effective care coordination among opioid treatment programs. It includes provisions for patient referrals and limits mandatory drug screenings to eight per year. Notably, it modifies existing legal language by replacing "narcotic and drug abuse" with "substance use disorder" and removes the requirement for a certificate of need for certain treatment centers. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of substance use disorder services in New Jersey, particularly for Medicaid recipients, while ensuring comprehensive care without unnecessary barriers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-11.1, 30:4D-6