New Jersey Assembly Bill A5500

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/25/23
• Refer: 5/25/23

Caption

Establishes "Remote Methadone Dosing Pilot Program;" appropriates $225,000.

Impact

The pilot program will initially involve three OTPs located in Atlantic City, Camden, and Paterson. These selected programs will leverage technology to facilitate remote methadone dosing, enhancing the treatment experience for patients and potentially leading to better health outcomes. By evaluating the effectiveness of this model, the DHS will gather crucial data on treatment compliance, patient retention, and overall cost-savings, which will inform future legislative actions regarding the broader implementation of remote methadone dosing across the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5500, introduced on May 25, 2023, establishes the Remote Methadone Dosing Pilot Program under the Department of Human Services (DHS). This innovative program aims to increase compliance and reduce costs associated with medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder by employing telehealth and telemedicine strategies. The program intends to benefit both patients and opioid treatment programs (OTPs) by allowing take-home doses of methadone to be monitored remotely, providing greater accessibility and reducing barriers to treatment.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill is its requirement for participating OTPs to report annually to the DHS on specific metrics such as treatment compliance and patient retention. This accountability mechanism is designed to ensure transparency and effectiveness in evaluating the pilot program's success. However, the bill also outright states that participation in the program cannot be mandated for patients, emphasizing the importance of voluntary access to services which could mitigate potential criticisms from patient advocacy groups regarding coercive treatment practices.