New Jersey Assembly Bill A5751

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/12/25

Caption

Directs DHS to establish Children's Partial Hospitalization Pilot Program.

Impact

By allowing for reimbursement of partial hospitalization services outside traditional hospital settings, A5751 endeavors to address gaps in service for a significant number of children struggling with mental health issues. Currently, reimbursement for such services is tightly restricted to hospital environments, which limits access for many youths in need. The pilot program intends to mitigate these restrictions, fostering greater flexibility in service delivery and potentially improving access for at-risk populations.

Summary

A5751, introduced in New Jersey, proposes the establishment of a Children's Partial Hospitalization Pilot Program aimed at enhancing the availability of partial hospitalization services for children aged five to fourteen. This initiative is designed to provide reimbursement for services delivered at non-hospital based locations under the NJ FamilyCare program, which is the state's health insurance program for eligible low-income individuals. The bill recognizes that children facing mental health disorders may require support that exceeds outpatient therapy but does not necessitate inpatient care.

Contention

The legislation sets forth specific qualifications for participants in this pilot program, which include demonstrating a solid implementation plan and adhering to federal and state reimbursement requirements. However, there may be ongoing discussions regarding the implications of diverting funding from traditional hospital settings to non-hospital services, as well as concerns pertaining to the adequacy of care in these alternative environments. The bill emphasizes the need for a report to be submitted after 36 months, detailing the pilot's implementation outcomes and recommendations for potential expansion, indicating a commitment to ongoing assessment.