Doctors and nurses treating ALS and related diseases would need yearly training

New Jersey's health department would provide free yearly training for doctors, nurses, and certain therapists. The training would cover the changing needs of people with ALS or other motor neuron diseases. Doctors, nurses, and physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists who work with these patients would have to take the training. If enacted, the law would take effect immediately, and the department would have 120 days to create the training.

Insurers in New Jersey would stop requiring advance approval for reusable medical equipment and liquid medicine. It covers patients with ALS or other motor neuron diseases, including patients who need breathing equipment. The rule would bind public and private insurers operating in New Jersey. If federal waivers are not received, the State would not have to apply this rule to its Medicaid programs. The rule would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

People with ALS or other motor neuron diseases would have rights to care and therapy at home. These rights cover people in New Jersey with ALS or other motor neuron diseases. Therapists who choose to make home visits would not need another license for services they can already provide elsewhere. If federal waivers are not received, the State would not have to apply these rights to its Medicaid programs. These rights would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

Patients could keep using equipment and speech therapy during care focused on comfort. This covers people with ALS or other motor neuron diseases receiving care focused on comfort, including hospice care. Patients could not be denied equipment or speech therapy they received before starting this care. If federal waivers are not received, the State would not have to apply these protections to its Medicaid programs. These protections would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

Patients who request a bed for a hospital stay could not be turned down. This covers patients with ALS or other motor neuron diseases who request a bed for a hospital stay. A bed would have to be provided as soon as practical, or the patient would have to be transferred to a facility with an open bed. If federal waivers are not received, the State would not have to apply this rule to its Medicaid programs. This rule would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.