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, allowing them to create associated medication units for initial assessments and medication-assisted treatment. The legislation removes outdated requirements regarding the proximity of treatment centers to schools and emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans, harm reduction services, and coordination of care among multidisciplinary teams.

Additionally, the bill streamlines the licensure process for substance use disorder treatment centers and establishes specific standards that community-based organizations must meet to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement. It ensures that patients cannot be denied treatment based solely on their refusal of counseling and limits the conditions under which a patient can be discharged from treatment. The bill also includes provisions for patient rights, such as the ability to report to the same treatment program and restrictions on the number of required drug screenings. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of substance use disorder treatment services in the state.

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