NJ A4169

Establishes a nine-member New Jersey Task Force on Health Care Services for LGBTQI Persons within the Department of Health to study and develop recommendations on healthcare needs for the LGBTQI community

Task force will review state and federal healthcare policies, evaluate existing resources and services, examine barriers to healthcare access and insurance coverage, and assess medical school curricula for LGBTQI-specific health training

Members include the Commissioner of Health (or designee), four gubernatorial appointees representing Garden State Equality, NJ Hospital Association, a federally qualified health center, and the LGBTQI community, plus four legislative appointees

Task force must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of organizing, after which the task force expires

Addresses documented disparities including higher rates of chronic conditions, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, substance abuse, and violence among LGBTQI individuals, as well as challenges accessing healthcare due to discrimination and lack of culturally competent providers