NJ S1386

Authorizes two or more independent health care providers in New Jersey to jointly negotiate with health and dental insurance carriers through a designated joint negotiation representative on non-fee-related matters including medical necessity definitions, utilization management criteria, clinical practice guidelines, and credentialing standards.

Permits joint negotiations on fee-related matters (payment amounts, discounts, reimbursement methodology) only after the Attorney General finds that a carrier has substantial market power and contract terms pose a threat to patient care quality and availability.

Requires joint negotiation representatives to submit petitions to the Attorney General for approval before negotiations, identifying participating providers, the target carrier, intended subject matter, and anticipated effects on patient care.

Mandates Attorney General approval within 30 days for petitions and proposed contracts, with approval based on whether benefits of joint negotiations outweigh potential reductions in competition; carriers are compelled to negotiate if the Attorney General finds sufficient cause.

Excludes Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare plans from the bill's provisions and requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on implementation, effects on insurance premiums, and impacts on access to quality care.