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, which are defined as organizations licensed by the Department of Health to offer these services to Medicaid recipients. It introduces new operational guidelines for opioid treatment programs, including the establishment of medication units that can dispense medications for opioid use disorder and provide various treatment services. The bill removes outdated requirements regarding the location of treatment centers in relation to schools and allows these programs to operate without the necessity of having a pharmacist on staff. Additionally, it limits the number of mandatory drug screenings a patient must undergo annually and allows patients to refuse counseling without being denied treatment.

Furthermore, the legislation streamlines the licensure process for substance use disorder treatment centers and requires community-based organizations to meet specific standards to receive Medicaid reimbursement. The Commissioner of Health is responsible for establishing these standards and providing training to assist organizations in compliance. The bill also emphasizes patient treatment continuity, requiring patients to report to the same treatment program unless otherwise approved, and outlines conditions for receiving treatment at another program. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of substance use disorder services in the state, ensuring individuals have the necessary treatment options available to them.

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