Bill > S881

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a 12-month pilot program, to be known as the "Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Pilot Program," in the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services. The objective of the pilot program is to provide manipulation therapy to individuals who receive services through the division for an addiction or substance use disorder and who suffer from chronic pain, to assist these individuals in their recovery, to highlight the efficacy of manipulation therapy as an alternative to prescription drugs for pain relief, and to evaluate the potential for expanding the use and reimbursement of manipulation therapy beyond the pilot program. The bill defines "manipulation therapy" as the application of manual pressure or force to the bones, joints, tissues, or muscles of the body to restore functionality, remove barriers to motion or healing, and to relieve pain by a physician licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners, who has a doctor of osteopathy degree, and is trained in the provision of osteopathic manipulative treatment. Manipulation therapy is also known as osteopathic manipulative treatment. The bill requires that the division consult with the New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, to adopt: (1) standards concerning the eligibility of individuals for participation in the pilot program based on their health status and need for treatment to address chronic pain; (2) requirements concerning the training, education, experience, and qualifications of physicians providing manipulation therapy in the pilot program; and (3) standardized reimbursement rates for manipulation therapy services provided through the pilot program. The bill provides that a health maintenance organization providing health care services in the State to Medicaid enrollees may agree to provide manipulation therapy through the pilot program pursuant to the reimbursement rates to be established, notwithstanding any provisions in the contract between the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services and the health maintenance organization to the contrary. Providers of services through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services that are reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis may agree to provide manipulation therapy through the pilot program pursuant to the reimbursement rates to be established pursuant to the bill's provisions.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Joe Cryan (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/27/2020)

Official Document