This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to evaluate and enhance the use of technology in long-term care settings, which encompass home-based, community-based, and residential care. The DOH is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of current and potential technological applications that can improve service quality and care delivery. Following this evaluation, the department will support long-term care providers in implementing recommended technologies through grants, low-interest loans, and performance incentives. Additionally, the bill requires long-term care facilities to provide essential services such as internet, television, and telephone access in residential rooms, with compliance monitored during inspections.

Furthermore, the bill expands existing electronic health record requirements to include home and community-based service providers and clarifies telehealth reimbursement parity for services delivered in long-term care settings. Specifically, it amends previous legislation to ensure that health benefits plans provide equal reimbursement rates for telehealth services as they do for in-person consultations, applicable until December 31, 2024. The bill aims to enhance the quality of care in long-term care facilities while ensuring that residents have access to necessary communication services and modern healthcare technologies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-12.95