Health commissioner‑designate faces committee questions on vaccine registry, federal Medicaid cuts and long‑term care

The Senate Judiciary Committee released the nomination of Dr. Raynard Washington to be New Jersey’s health commissioner after extended questioning about data privacy in the state immunization registry, anticipated federal Medicaid cuts and long‑term care oversight.

Washington, who said he will become a Mercer County resident and who has led public‑health agencies in multiple jurisdictions, framed his goals around prevention, equity and rebuilding the public‑health workforce. “Public health leaders must be visible. We must meet people where they are, listen to their experiences, and build trust,” he told the committee.

Members pressed Washington on the Department of Health’s recent sanitary‑code amendments that expand required reporting to the New Jersey Immunization Information System. A member cited reporting deadlines that phase adult enrollment through 2027 and said the rule was adopted without a public hearing and is now being litigated. Washington said the registry is “an important tool” governed by federal and state protections and that, as commissioner, he will enforce state law and work to protect the security of collected health data.

Lawmakers asked whether state decisions will always align with federal guidance. Washington said the department will use the best available medical evidence and consider state‑specific conditions; he cautioned that changes in national recommendations can affect payer coverage and therefore access for families.

Committee members also questioned Washington on the anticipated impacts of federal Medicaid reductions (referred to in discussion as HR 1). Washington said nearly half of the DOH budget is federally funded and that the department is preparing for funding disruptions by coordinating with human services, hospitals and local partners, while acknowledging the state cannot fully replace lost federal dollars.

Several senators criticized aspects of the state’s COVID‑era responses and asked what lessons the department has drawn about communications and long‑term‑care oversight. Washington cited after‑action reviews and said mission‑critical teams remain active to support residential facilities and limit outbreaks.

During the public‑comment period Maria Quigley, identifying herself as a New Jersey resident, urged the committee to scrutinize the sanitary‑code changes. She said automatic enrollment in the registry raises medical‑privacy and religious‑liberty concerns and questioned exemptions and transparency around data and enforcement.

The committee took a roll call on Dr. Washington’s nomination. Senators Testa and Corrado recorded “no” votes on the record; a majority voted to release the nomination to the full Senate.

Washington and committee members agreed to continue discussions on topics including registry implementation details, hospital financial monitoring and preparedness for large events such as the FIFA World Cup.