State Comptroller Report Criticizes Lack of Action on Low-Quality Nursing Homes
Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh has released his third
report in a series on Medicaid spending in nursing homes, titled,
"New
Jersey Medicaid Continues to Fund Poor Quality Care for Nursing
Home Residents."
The report provides a current list of 12 New Jersey nursing homes
that ...
New Jersey Receives Final Approval for 1115 Waiver Renewal from CMS
On March 30, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)
provided
final approval for the "New Jersey FamilyCare
Comprehensive Demonstration" renewal that operates under a
Medicaid 1115 waiver. The approval extends several authorities
that previously had been authorized for New Je...
FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray, Narcan
Today, March 29, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) approved Narcan, a brand of naloxone hydrochloride nasal
spray manufactured by Opiant Pharmaceuticals, for
over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription use.
As stated in an FDA release, "Naloxone is a medication that
rapidl...
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Healthcare Costs, Written Comment Accepted through Apr. 6th
March 28, 2023
On Thursday March 23, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health, held a
hearing on healthcare costs "to examine how inflation and high
health care costs have impacted patients, small businesses, and
independent medical p...
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Students with Disabilities
March 27, 2023
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled
on the case of Luna Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools,
determining that the Perez family could sue for damages under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), related to the school
providing an inadequate ...
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Establishing Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund
March 23, 2023
On Friday, March 17, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law
S783, which establishes the Opioid Recovery
and Remediation Fund, as well as requirements for proceeds from
opioid settlements to support substance use disorder prevention
and treatment programs.
As sta...
Pres. Biden Unveils Plan to Lower Prescription Costs, Levying Inflation Penalties on Drugmakers
March 20, 2023
On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, President Joe Biden delivered
remarks on his Administration's plan to lower prescription drug
costs.
Among the efforts highlighted by President Biden is the Medicare
Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program, which enforces
inflation p...
NJ Utility Bill Moratorium Ended; DCA Encourages Residents to Apply for Assistance Programs
March 16, 2023
The Winter Termination Program has prevented electric, gas, and
water utility companies from shutting off New Jersey residents'
utilities due to nonpayment since November 2022. That moratorium
officially ended on March 15, 2023, potentially exposing many New
Jerseyans t...
President Biden Releases his Blueprint for the FY2024 Federal Budget
March 13, 2023
Yesterday, President Joe Biden released his blueprint for the
federal FY2024 budget. The White House said it was based on four
key goals: "To invest in America, lower costs for families,
protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, and reduce
the deficit".
...
Senate and Assembly Committees Set Public Hearings on FY24 State Budget; Next One March 14th
March 9, 2023
The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will
host an in-person public hearing as part of its budget review
process on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET,
at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Trustees Pavilion, 505 Ramapo
Valley Road, Mahwah...
NJDOH Launches New Overdose Hotspot Outreach Initiative
March 7, 2023
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), in response to
growing racial disparities in overdose deaths, is launching a new
overdose hotspot outreach initiative, prioritizing areas of the
state with high disparities and high rates of overdose among
Black residents.
...
NJAMHAA Testifies at NJ Senate Education Committee Hearing on Teen Mental Health
March 6, 2023
On March 2, 2023, the New Jersey Senate Education Committee held
a hearing on student and teen mental health in response to much
commentary on the issue following the highly publicized death by
suicide last month of 14-year-old Adriana Kuch and a rise in teen
suicide rat...