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S 1324

Establishes "Remote Methadone Dosing Pilot Program;" appropriates $225,000.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nilsa Cruz-Perez and 3 co-sponsors

New Jersey pilots remote methadone dosing via telehealth for take-home patients at 3 OTPs (Atlantic City, Camden, Paterson) for 3 years to test access, outcomes, and cost savings.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 1324

Summary — Remote Methadone Dosing Pilot Program (S 1324)

Status: Introduced (New Jersey). Introduced version establishes a 3‑year pilot and appropriates $225,000.

Purpose / Intent

Create and evaluate a small, time‑limited Remote Methadone Dosing Pilot Program to:
- Increase patient compliance with methadone treatment,
- Reduce the costs of providing medication‑assisted treatment (MAT),
- Assess effects on patient outcomes and cost‑savings, and
- Inform whether remote methadone dosing should be expanded by law or regulation.

Key provisions

  • Definitions: “Remote methadone dosing” is defined as use of telehealth/telemedicine to remotely monitor a patient’s methadone treatment where the medication is administered as take‑home doses.
  • Program establishment: The Department of Human Services (DHS), via the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, must establish a three‑year pilot.
  • Site selection: One certified opioid treatment program (OTP) will be selected in each of Atlantic City, Camden, and Paterson to participate (three OTPs total).
  • Authorization and requirements:
    • Participating OTPs may use remote methadone dosing for patients who are clinically eligible for take‑home methadone and only in accordance with applicable federal and state law.
    • Participating OTPs must use department‑approved online/telehealth technology providers to facilitate remote dosing.
    • Participation by patients is voluntary; neither the State nor OTPs may require a patient to join the pilot.
  • Reporting and evaluation:
    • Each OTP must submit annual reports to DHS on metrics including number served, treatment compliance, average treatment duration, patient retention, reductions in transportation costs, and other relevant data.
    • DHS must prepare and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within four years of program establishment with outcome analysis and any recommendations for legislative/regulatory changes.
  • Funding: $225,000 is appropriated from the General Fund. DHS will issue $75,000 grants to each participating OTP to implement the pilot.
  • Rulemaking & effective date: Commissioners of Human Services and Health may adopt implementing regulations; the act takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Who is affected

  • Directly: selected OTPs in Atlantic City, Camden, and Paterson, and their eligible methadone patients who opt into the pilot.
  • Indirectly: other OTPs, state regulators, and policymakers who may use pilot findings to shape future policy on methadone take‑home and telehealth delivery.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Potential benefits: improved access and convenience for patients, reduced transportation barriers and costs, and possible system cost‑savings.
  • Risks and constraints: must comply with federal SAMHSA and DEA rules on OTPs and methadone; small sample (3 OTPs) limits generalizability; privacy, security, diversion control, and clinical safety will be central evaluation issues.
  • Budget: $225,000 is a modest, one‑time appropriation intended to subsidize startup/technology and evaluation at the three participating OTPs.

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

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