ASSEMBLY AGING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[Second Reprint]

SENATE, No. 2606

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 8, 2025

      The Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2606 (2R).

      This bill requires Medicaid reimbursement of mental health rehabilitation services provided via a clubhouse program.  Coverage of mental health rehabilitation services provided via a clubhouse program will not preclude the coverage of mental health services prescribed in conjunction with participation in a clubhouse program. 

      Under the bill, “clubhouse program” is defined as a non-residential, community-based psychosocial rehabilitation program accredited by Clubhouse International that is membership based and is designed to alleviate a member's emotional or behavior problems with the goal of transitioning the member to a less restrictive level of care, reintegrating the member into the community, and increasing social connectedness beyond a clinical or employment setting.  Members of the program, with staff assistance, engage in operating all aspects of the program, including food service, clerical, reception, janitorial and other member services such as employment training, housing assistance and educational support. 

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 2606 (2R) is identical to Assembly Bill No. 3770, which was also amended and reported by the committee on this date.