NJ S3825

Creates the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program within the Department of Health to establish standardized training and certification programs at higher education institutions and integrate community health worker services into Medicaid reimbursement

Requires the program to launch in Newark within one year of enactment, with statewide expansion targeted within five years

Establishes a nine-member Advisory Board including the Commissioners of Health and Human Services (or designees) plus seven public members representing community health centers from each region, a hospital, a long-term care facility, and two- and four-year colleges

Mandates development of a standardized curriculum for training community health workers specifically in substance use disorder treatment, including services for pregnant and postpartum individuals

Requires the program director to submit annual reports to the Legislature on implementation progress and recommendations for legislative action