New Jersey Senate Bill S916

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires Director of Division of Developmental Disabilities to align rates for self-directed employees with maximum service provider rates.

Impact

The introduction of S916 is expected to bring significant changes to how services for individuals with developmental disabilities are priced. By establishing a direct link between the rates of self-directed employees and those of service providers, the bill intends to improve the quality of care by attracting a skilled workforce willing to work under the self-directed model. This could potentially lead to higher service levels and improved outcomes for individuals relying on such services.

Summary

Senate Bill 916 seeks to address the compensation disparities between self-directed employees and service providers within the framework of services funded by New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities. The bill mandates that the rates paid to self-directed employees must not exceed the maximum rates established for service providers for equivalent services. This alignment aims to create financial fairness for individuals receiving care and enhance the viability of self-directed services by ensuring those who provide care are compensated comparably to contracted providers.

Contention

While the bill presents a clear advantage for individuals with developmental disabilities, there are concerns raised by various stakeholders. Some advocates worry that the bill could strain resources allocated to service providers, particularly if reimbursement rates from Medicaid do not adjust accordingly to cover the increased costs of self-directed employee wages. Additionally, discussions around the feasibility of implementing such a structured rate policy have surfaced, with some stakeholders questioning the adequacy of current funding mechanisms to support these changes.