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Bill > S4707


NJ S4707

NJ S4707
Directs DHS to establish Children's Partial Hospitalization Pilot Program.


summary

Introduced
10/20/2025
In Committee
10/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill directs the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services to establish the Children's Partial Hospitalization Pilot Program. The goal of this pilot program is to expand the availability of partial hospitalization services for children ages five through 14 by providing reimbursement under the NJ FamilyCare program - the State' s health insurance program for eligible, low-income persons - for partial hospitalization services provided at non-hospital based locations. Children's partial hospitalization services are intensive, highly structured outpatient treatment services that provide individualized, outcomes-oriented psychiatric services designed for youth and young adults and that are intended to minimize the need for inpatient hospitalization. Currently, to qualify for NJ FamilyCare reimbursement, partial hospitalization services must be provided in a hospital setting. Under the bill, the division is to select one applicant to participate in the pilot program. The eligible applicant is required to: demonstrate an established plan for implementation; exclusively provide partial hospitalization services to children ages five through 14; meet all existing federal and State requirements for reimbursement of children's partial hospitalization services under NJ FamilyCare, except that the location of service delivery does not need to be a licensed hospital; and apply to the Department of Children and Families for approval as a provider within the Children's System of Care. The Children's System of Care is New Jersey's public behavioral health system for youth under 21 years of age. No later than 36 months after the division selects the pilot's participant, the division is required to submit to the Governor and to the Legislature, a report that summarizes the implementation of the program to date, as well as recommendations for the continuation of the program. The pilot program shall expire 36 months after the division selects the pilot's participant.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Children's Partial Hospitalization Pilot Program within the New Jersey Department of Human Services to expand mental health treatment options for children ages five to 14. The program aims to provide reimbursement through NJ FamilyCare for partial hospitalization services at non-hospital locations, which are intensive outpatient psychiatric treatments designed to help children with mental health disorders avoid inpatient hospitalization. The division will select one applicant who must exclusively serve children in the specified age range, have an implementation plan, meet existing federal and state requirements, and apply to the Department of Children and Families for approval. The selected provider can offer services outside of a hospital setting, which is currently not allowed under existing regulations. Within 36 months of selecting a participant, the division must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature summarizing the program's implementation and offering recommendations for continuation. The pilot program will automatically expire 36 months after the participant is selected, and the Commissioner of Human Services is required to pursue necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement the program and secure federal Medicaid funding.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 10/20/2025)

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