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Bill > A3501
NJ A3501
NJ A3501Requires DHS and DCF to employ Director of Medical Services; appropriates $480,000.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Departments of Human Services (DHS)and Children and Families (DCF) to each create the new position of, and hire a full-time, salaried, Director of Medical Services in the Office of Program Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) in the DHS and the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit in the DCF, respectively. The directors are to serve as advisors to the office, unit, or any other investigative entity responsible for the investigation of incidences of abuse, neglect, or death pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2010, c.5 (C.30:6D-75) or allegations of child abuse or neglect pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.11) when complex medical issues or conditions exist and meet the educational and professional requirements and carry out the duties and responsibilities outlined in the bill. The bill also appropriates $480,000 from the General Fund of which $240,00 is allocated to both the DHS and the DCF to hire a new Director of Medical Services in the OPIA and the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit, respectively.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Children and Families (DCF) each hire a full-time, salaried Director of Medical Services. These directors will be placed within the DHS's Office of Program Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and the DCF's Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit, respectively. Their primary role will be to advise investigative bodies when complex medical issues arise in cases of abuse, neglect, or death, as defined by specific existing laws concerning the care of individuals with developmental disabilities and child abuse allegations. The directors must be licensed physicians with appropriate medical education and experience. They will also provide expert testimony in legal proceedings and review medical policies and practices at state facilities to improve patient outcomes and quality of care. To fund these new positions, the bill appropriates $480,000 from the General Fund, with $240,000 allocated to each department.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A3501 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3501_I1.HTM |
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