NJ DOH Proposes Changes to Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility Regulations

The changes include amending definitions and qualifications for medical directors and physicians, allowing American Osteopathic Association-certified physicians to serve as medical directors, and updating cross-references and removing redundant requirements.

The New Jersey Department of Health has responded to a petition for rulemaking by proposing amendments to its Standards for Licensure of Substance Use Disorders Treatment Facilities. The petition, which was received on February 11, 2022, requested that certain changes be made to the qualifications and responsibilities of medical directors and physicians at such facilities. Specifically, the petitioners requested that the definition of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) be included in the Standards and that AOA-certified osteopaths be permitted to serve as medical directors.

In response to the petition, the Department of Health proposes to amend N.J.A.C. 8:111-1.3 to include the definition of the AOA, as well as its address, telephone number, and website information. Additionally, the Department proposes to amend N.J.A.C. 8:111-1.4(a) to allow AOA-certified osteopaths to serve as medical directors at substance use disorders treatment facilities. The Department also proposes to delete the requirement that medical directors have five years of experience working in such a facility and instead require only one year of experience. Furthermore, the Department proposes to delete the requirement that medical directors have completed a specific training course.

The Department is providing a 60-day comment period on this notice of proposal.

Click here to read an unofficial copy of the proposal.