NJ S1386

Authorizes two or more independent health care providers practicing in a carrier's service area to jointly negotiate with health and dental insurance carriers on non-fee-related matters affecting patient care, including medical necessity definitions, utilization management criteria, clinical practice guidelines, and credentialing standards

Permits joint negotiations on fees and fee-related matters (payment amounts, discounts, reimbursement methodology) only upon Attorney General finding that a carrier has substantial market power and contract terms pose an actual or potential threat to patient care quality and availability

Requires joint negotiation representatives to submit petitions to the Attorney General for approval before entering negotiations, identifying represented providers, the target carrier, and intended negotiation subjects, with a fee covering administrative costs

Prohibits health care providers from jointly engaging in coordinated work stoppages, requiring participation in all carrier products as a condition of network participation, or excluding other health care professions from carrier plans

Mandates annual reporting by the Attorney General to the Governor and Legislature on implementation, including assessments of competitive balance in health care markets and impact on health insurance premiums