NJ A3826

Medicaid reimbursement rates for residential behavioral health services must equal at least 100% of Medicare Part B payment rates starting July 1, 2024, with annual reporting on access and quality impacts required by July 1, 2026.

Contracts between the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services and residential behavioral health providers must include annual cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12-month period.

Creates the "Residential Behavioral Health Care Access and Improvement Fund" to provide grants to residential behavioral health facilities for routine repairs and maintenance.

Establishes a competitive grant program through the Division of Consumer Affairs to fund behavioral health internship programs, compensate interns and supervisors, and expand training opportunities to address workforce shortages.

Allows clinical supervision for licensure as a clinical social worker, professional counselor, or marriage and family therapist to be provided by any of these three licensed professional types, rather than requiring supervision by someone holding the same license being sought.