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S 4046

Establishes "New Jersey Community Health Worker Program" in DOH and certain training programs for community health workers.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein

Creates NJ Community Health Worker Program in DOH with standardized training and certification, and Medicaid reimbursement to expand access and reduce health inequities.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4046

Summary: S 4046 – New Jersey Community Health Worker Program

Overview

S 4046 establishes the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program within the Department of Health (DOH) and creates standardized training and certification for community health workers (CHWs). The bill aims to connect health care consumers with providers and resources in medically underserved communities, integrate CHW services into State Medicaid reimbursement, and reduce health inequities and costs through expanded access to care. The act supplements Title 26 of the Revised Statutes.

Purpose and intent

  • Create a statewide CHW program to improve health outcomes, reduce health care costs, and address inequities in access to care.
  • Standardize CHW training and certification through institutions of higher education.
  • Integrate CHW services into Medicaid reimbursement where possible.
  • Build statewide capacity to serve communities in need, prioritizing the CHWs serving the communities where they live.

Key provisions

Establishment and administration

  • Establishes the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program in the DOH.
  • Appoints a director to oversee and administer the program, in consultation with the program’s Advisory Board.
  • The director must provide staff and resources as needed to implement the program.

Implementation timeline

  • The director must establish the program in Newark within one year after enactment.
  • The program may expand to additional municipalities as resources and need allow, with a statewide goal no later than five years after enactment.
  • The director may seek and accept funding from federal, state, and private sources to support program purposes.

Reporting and oversight

  • The director must report annually to the Legislature on implementation, expansion, and recommendations for related legislation.
  • Annual reporting is required pursuant to the State statutes governing legislative oversight.

Definitions

  • Defines “community health worker” as a certified professional who connects health care consumers with providers and resources, with a focus on facilitating access in medically underserved communities. CHWs should, where possible, serve in their own communities.

Advisory Board

  • Creates the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program Advisory Board (nine members total).
  • Ex officio members: Commissioners of Health and Human Services (or their designees).
  • Seven public members: appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders (Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker, Assembly Minority Leader).
    • Regional representation from community health centers (south, central, north), general hospital, long-term care facility, two-year higher education institution, and four-year higher education institution.
  • Terms: public members serve five-year terms; initial terms staggered (three-, four-, or five-year terms) to ensure continuity.
  • No compensation; reimbursement for necessary expenses.
  • Meets at least twice yearly; DOH provides staff and support.

Training and curriculum (Substance Use Disorder focus)

  • The Director, with the Advisory Board, develops a standardized curriculum for CHWs to educate and support individuals needing substance use disorder treatment, including pregnant and postpartum individuals.
  • May utilize resources from other states, professional associations, or federal agencies.
  • The Director will promote the curriculum as best practices to expand access to information on substance use disorder treatment.

Medicaid and financing

  • The Department of Human Services shall pursue state plan amendments or waivers needed to implement CHW provisions and secure federal Medicaid participation.

Regulation and effective date

  • The Department of Health shall promulgate necessary rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Effective date: immediate upon enactment.

Stakeholders likely affected

  • Community health workers and CHW training programs (including higher education institutions).
  • Community health centers, general hospitals, long-term care facilities.
  • Individuals in medically underserved communities, including those with substance use disorder needs.
  • State Medicaid program and beneficiaries.
  • State agencies (DOH, DHS) and potential partners in federal/private funding.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced in the Senate on January 31, 2025; referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
  • Sponsored by primary Pete Harckham, with cosponsors Rachel May and Brian Kavanagh.
  • Related companion/previous bills and actions exist (e.g., S 562, S 2937, S 2994; A 1183 companion).

Potential impact

  • Creates a coordinated, statewide framework for CHWs, potentially improving access to care and health outcomes in underserved communities.
  • Establishes standardized training and certification, which could enhance CHW professionalization and employment opportunities.
  • Aligns CHW activities with Medicaid reimbursement opportunities, potentially reducing overall health care costs and addressing disparities.

If you’d like, I can highlight specific sections for quick reference or compare S 4046 to its companion bills and prior drafts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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