1. a. Notwithstanding any State law or regulation to the contrary, the Department of Human Services shall ensure that the provision of benefits for methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, combination drugs containing buprenorphine and naloxone, and, if authorized by the Commissioner of Human Services, other medications approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of substance use disorders, to eligible persons receiving services funded by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services as well as to eligible persons under the Medicaid program, established pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C. 30:4D-1 et seq.), shall be provided without the imposition of any prior authorization requirements, provided that the treatment is prescribed or administered by a licensed medical practitioner who is authorized to prescribe or administer that treatment pursuant to State and federal law. The Commissioner of Human Services may develop and issue guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of benefits provided pursuant to this section.

b. As used in this act:

“Substance use disorder” is as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and any subsequent editions and shall include substance use withdrawal.

L.2019, c.163, s.1.