This bill seeks 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. It introduces new operational guidelines for opioid treatment programs, allowing them to establish medication units that can offer services such as medication-assisted treatment and telecounseling. The legislation also emphasizes harm reduction services and ensures that patients cannot be denied treatment based solely on their refusal of counseling or missed doses. Additionally, it removes outdated requirements regarding the location of treatment centers in relation to schools.

Furthermore, the bill streamlines the licensure process for substance use disorder treatment centers and sets specific standards for community-based organizations to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement. It includes provisions for training and technical assistance to help these organizations comply with licensure and enrollment standards. The bill updates the definition of substance use disorder treatment centers and clarifies patient referral requirements between treatment programs, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality and accessibility of substance use disorder services throughout the state.

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