New Jersey Assembly Bill A1240

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Establishes various initiatives to expand availability of medication-assisted treatment.

Impact

The bill mandates the State Board of Medical Examiners to oversee the implementation of these training requirements. Furthermore, the Board is tasked with developing a program to promote the use of MAT, which is expected to enhance physician awareness regarding treatment options available for substance use disorders. The intention behind this extensive educational outreach is to prepare healthcare providers to prescribe narcotic drugs classified under Schedule III, IV, or V safely and effectively.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1240 establishes various initiatives aimed at expanding the availability of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals dealing with substance use disorders in New Jersey. The bill imposes new training requirements for physicians in the state, mandating that medical schools incorporate specific instruction on the treatment and management of opiate-dependent patients. This training will be necessary for graduating medical students and will also be required for continuing medical education credits for practicing physicians.

Contention

While proponents of A1240 argue that it will enhance the quality of care available to patients with substance use disorders by ensuring that physicians are adequately trained, there are some concerns regarding the feasibility of enforcing these new training requirements. Some healthcare professionals worry about the potential burden on already stretched medical education resources and the capacity of existing practitioners to comply with new regulations. This division points to a larger conversation about how best to address the ongoing opioid crisis and the role of medical professionals in combatting it.