New Jersey Senate Bill S1164

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Establishes remote medical consultation assistance grant program in DOH.

Impact

This bill is designed to facilitate the expansion of telehealth services within community health centers, thereby reducing the need for costly in-person visits to medical specialists. By awarding grants to health centers, the program promotes better utilization of healthcare technology and aims to bridge the gap between primary healthcare providers and specialists. The implementation of this program could lead to more efficient patient care, particularly for those in underserved areas who require specialist input.

Summary

Senate Bill 1164 establishes a remote medical consultation assistance grant program under the New Jersey Department of Health. The primary aim of this bill is to help federally qualified health centers utilize technology for consultations with medical specialists. By enabling these centers to access specialist expertise through remote consultations, the bill intends to improve the overall quality of care for patients who might otherwise struggle to access such services in-person.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance healthcare access, there may be concerns regarding the allocation of funds and the efficacy of remote consultations. Critics might question whether the technology provided will be adequately used or maintained and whether it can substitute for traditional face-to-face interactions, particularly in complex medical cases. Supporters, however, argue that such measures are vital for adapting to modern healthcare needs and for expanding the reach of specialist care.