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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey bill directs DHS to establish a non-hospital children's partial hospitalization pilot program
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services CommitteeSponsor: Carol Murphy
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What This Bill Would Do
Assembly Bill 998 directs the New Jersey Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program allowing reimbursement for children's partial hospitalization services delivered at non-hospital locations. The program selects one eligible provider for children ages five through 14 and expires 36 months after the participant is chosen.
Expands mental health treatment options for children enrolled in by removing the requirement that partial hospitalization services occur exclusively in licensed hospitals.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Children ages five through 14 with mental health needs
Eligible youth may receive partial hospitalization services through NJ FamilyCare at non-hospital based locations.
Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services
Tasked with establishing the pilot program, selecting a participant, and submitting a report to the Governor and Legislature.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Children's Partial Hospitalization Pilot Program?
Who is eligible to participate in the pilot program?
How long will the pilot program last?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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