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A 2284

Provides for recall

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 15 co-sponsors

Raises Medicaid PDN reimbursement to at least $65/hour for RNs and $53/hour for LPNs, with federal approvals and new regulations to implement.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 2284

Bill Summary: A 2284 — Provides for Recall (Medicaid Private Duty Nursing Reimbursement)

Note: The bill title in the record is “Provides for recall,” but the substantive content relates to Medicaid private duty nursing (PDN) reimbursement rates.

Overview

  • Bill number: A 2284
  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary (as of February 2025)
  • Purpose: Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for private duty nursing services and require the state to seek necessary federal approvals to implement the change.

What the bill would do

  • Section 1 — Minimum reimbursement rates
    Establishes new minimum hourly reimbursement rates under New Jersey’s Medicaid program (for both fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems):

    • Registered professional nurse (RN): at least $65 per hour
    • Licensed practical nurse (LPN): at least $53 per hour

  • Section 2 — Federal and state plan changes
    Requires the Commissioner of Human Services to apply for any necessary State plan amendments or waivers to implement the bill and to secure federal financial participation for Medicaid expenditures.

  • Section 3 — Regulatory authority
    Directs the Commissioner to adopt implementing rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act.

  • Section 4 — Effective date
    The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Background context (as stated in the bill)

  • PDN services are continuous, individualized nursing services provided by licensed nurses in the home setting.
  • Under current law (State FY 2023 Appropriations Act), PDN rates are:
    • RN: $61/hour (and historically $60/hour per state regulations)
    • LPN: $49/hour (and historically $48/hour per state regulations)
  • The bill would raise PDN reimbursement to at least $65/hour for RNs and $53/hour for LPNs, applicable in both FFS and managed care plans.

Who is affected

  • Medicaid beneficiaries who receive PDN services in their homes.
  • Private duty nursing providers (RNs and LPNs) delivering PDN services.
  • The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) and its Medicaid program (including both fee-for-service and managed care arrangements).
  • Potentially, home health agencies and managed care organizations that administer PDN benefits, subject to federal plan amendments.

Fiscal and policy implications

  • The bill increases Medicaid expenditures for PDN by roughly $4 per hour per service (consistent with the stated increase from current rates).
  • Implementation depends on:
    • Negotiated/state plan amendments or waivers to obtain federal financial participation.
    • Adoption of implementing regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Affects budget planning and federal-state funding dynamics for Medicaid PDN services.

Legislative trajectory and sponsorship

  • Sponsors: A broad list including primary sponsor Robert Smullen and multiple cosponsors.
  • Related/companion bills: S 1584 (and other related bills cited).
  • Actions: Introduced in 2024; subsequent actions in 2025 include “OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY” and referrals to Attorney General for opinion, indicating ongoing committee and legal review.

Plain-language takeaway

If enacted, A 2284 would raise the reimbursement rate for private duty nursing in New Jersey’s Medicaid program to at least $65/hour for RNs and $53/hour for LPNs, regardless of delivery system. The Commissioner would need to pursue any required federal approvals and adopt implementing regulations. The change aims to improve access to home-based PDN services by increasing provider reimbursement, with associated fiscal and regulatory considerations.

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

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