Legislative Update – February 2017

Governor Christie Takes Legislative Steps in War on Opioid Addiction – On February 6, 2017, Governor Christie signed into law legislation (S2156) which significantly impacts the current consent procedures for health care professionals who prescribe opioid drugs to patients under the age of 18. The law requires prescribers to provide additional warnings to the parents or guardians of unemancipated minor patients about the risks of developing an addiction to opioid drugs. The prescriber is also required to obtain written acknowledgement that the conversation occurred and place the acknowledgement in the patient’s record.

Behavioral Health Care Coverage – On January 19, 2017, the New Jersey Senate introduced a bill (S2919) that would expand health insurance coverage for behavioral health care services and enhances enforcement and oversight of mental health parity laws.

Medicaid Funding of Substance Use Disorder Programs – On January 23, 2017, New Jersey Assembly Concurrent Resolution 223 (NJ ACR223) was introduced requesting President Trump and Congress to take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

Shared Space for PC and BH Services – On January 23, 2017, the New Jersey Assembly introduced a bill (NJ A4523) which would require the New Jersey Department of Health to permit certain health care facilities to use shared clinical space when providing primary health care and behavioral health care for mild to moderate behavioral health conditions.