New Jersey passes social work licensure compact and biomarker testing legislation

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss several key pieces of legislation aimed at improving healthcare access and services in New Jersey. The meeting began with the introduction of Senate Bill 2688, which seeks to enter New Jersey into a social work licensure compact. This bill received unanimous support from various stakeholders, including the National Association of Social Workers and the New Jersey Hospital Association, who emphasized its potential to alleviate long wait times for mental health services in the state. The committee voted favorably to release the bill for further consideration.

Following this, the committee addressed Senate Bill 3098, which mandates health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker testing. This legislation aims to enhance precision medicine in cancer treatment by ensuring that patients have access to necessary tests that can guide their treatment decisions. Several advocates, including cancer survivors and healthcare professionals, provided compelling testimonies highlighting the critical role of biomarker testing in personalizing cancer care and avoiding unnecessary treatments.

Dr. Amy Franco, a cancer researcher and survivor, shared her experience with biomarker testing, illustrating how it could have significantly altered her treatment path. Regina Toomey Bueno, another survivor, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of insurance coverage for such tests to prevent patients from undergoing ineffective treatments. The committee members expressed strong support for the bill, recognizing the urgent need for improved access to biomarker testing, particularly for underserved populations.

The meeting concluded with a motion to advance Senate Bill 3098, reflecting a growing consensus among lawmakers about the necessity of these healthcare reforms. The committee's actions signal a commitment to enhancing healthcare access and ensuring that New Jersey residents receive timely and effective medical care.