Bill
Bill > A3039
NJ A3039
NJ A3039Permits telemedicine services to be provided using audio-only technology when providing behavioral health care services.
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 permits telemedicine services to be provided using audio-only technology when providing behavioral health care services. Ordinarily, telemedicine services may not be provided using, in isolation, audio-only telephone conversation, electronic mail, instant messaging, phone text, or facsimile transmission. Under the bill, a health care provider who is providing behavioral health care services using telemedicine may provide the services using audio-only technology. The bill defines "behavioral health care services" to mean procedures or services provided by a health care practitioner to a patient for the treatment of a mental illness or emotional disorder that is of mild to moderate severity. "Behavioral health care services" does not include procedures or services that are provided for the treatment of severe mental illness, severe emotional disorder, or drug or alcohol use.
AI Summary
This bill allows healthcare providers to offer behavioral health care services, defined as treatment for mild to moderate mental or emotional disorders (excluding severe conditions or substance use issues), using audio-only technology for telemedicine, which is the delivery of healthcare services remotely through technology. Previously, telemedicine generally required interactive, real-time, two-way communication, not just phone calls. This change aims to expand access to mental health support by permitting services to be provided solely through phone conversations when necessary.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health 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/A3039 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3039_I1.HTM |
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