Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) to improve coordination between primary and behavioral healthcare services has passed the New Jersey Senate.

“To provide quality, comprehensive healthcare for all New Jerseyans, we must ease the process of integrating behavioral health and primary care services,” Senator Singer said. “Forcing facilities to obtain multiple licenses just so they can provide a full spectrum of health services is an unnecessary restriction that only serves in blocking patients from accessing the care they need.”

Singer’s legislation, S-1710, allows ambulatory care facilities to provide primary health care and behavioral health services under a single license.

The bill permits ambulatory care facilities that provide primary healthcare services to also offer authorized treatment services, such as family therapy, psychiatric evaluation, follow-up, and medication monitoring.

“Allowing ambulatory facilities to coordinate behavioral health and primary care services will surely improve the quality of care for those who need it most,” Senator Singer added. “This is a commonsense measure that will ensure families across the state have access to the services they need to heal and thrive.”