New Jersey Assembly Bill A2794

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes pilot program for 24-hour urgent care for behavioral health.

Impact

The program is expected to create a structured framework for integrated behavioral health care through partnerships between selected managed care organizations and hospitals. It outlines specific requirements for participating facilities, including providing 24/7 service, employing qualified behavioral health staff, and leveraging telemedicine. This arrangement is designed to improve patient outcomes while addressing the ongoing stigma surrounding behavioral health issues. The funding mechanism for the pilot program will predominantly rely on a value-based payment system through Medicaid, aiming to ensure cost-effective and sustainable care delivery.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2794 establishes a two-year Urgent Care Facility Behavioral Health Pilot Program aimed at enhancing access to behavioral health care services in New Jersey. The initiative mandates the Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement this program at various urgent care facilities, primarily targeting individuals facing behavioral health crises. By situating these services within urgent care settings, the bill seeks to stabilize patients effectively and divert them from unnecessary emergency department visits and admissions, consequently alleviating pressure on statewide hospital resources.

Contention

While supporters argue that A2794 addresses critical gaps in behavioral health services and enhances the efficiency of care transitions, concerns persist regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed pilot program. Critics may question whether existing urgent care infrastructures can adequately support the requisite behavioral health integration and whether the regulatory requirements will adequately incentivize innovation while ensuring access for vulnerable populations.