New Health Resources Are On The Way For The Garden State

NEW JERSEY - A new lifeline for support is being extended throughout the Garden State and beyond with the help of a new law, but it may take more than a year before residents see the effects.

Certified social workers in New Jersey will be able to lend their services to others around the United States without having to receive certification in each individual state, starting as early as the end of 2026.

A2813, signed on May 8, is meant to expand the number of people in substance abuse facilities and mental health resources that are available to offer patients treatment.

"New Jersey’s shortage of healthcare workers is making it harder for residents to access critical services like mental health, addiction recovery, and elder care," said the bill's sponsor, Majority Leader Lou Greenwald.

According to the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, in April 2025 there were 776 openings among licensed social workers, substance abuse counselors and other health care professionals within just 24 organizations.

As the shortage of medical providers and substance abuse facilities continues to plague the nation, New Jersey is now the 28th state to sign on to the Social Work Licensure Compact.

"By joining the ... Compact, we are empowering clinically licensed social workers to provide care across participating states, ensuring that residents receive the care they deserve without delay," Greenwald said.

This comes after House Republicans passed the “Big Beautiful Bill” on Thursday, which includes funding for border control and deep cuts to Medicaid and other benefit programs.

When Will The New Law Take Effect?

New Jersey will not be able to roll out this new program until the efforts are laid in place nationally. This process will take roughly 18 months, as told to NJ Spotlight News by Dawn Apgar, an associate professor at Seton Hall University and a former deputy commissioner for the state Department of Human Services.

The lack of filled seats on the New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners is also slowing the process for potential social workers to get their initial certification. The board must have 10 members, but is only operating with four at the moment.

According to NJ Spotlight, a spokesperson for Governor Phil Murphy’s office says the administration refuses to comment on the potential status of state-appointed positions.

The new law also aims to provide added mental health resources to military families and expand the use of telehealth services to improve the ease of access. Active military members and their spouses are able to designate a home state and use these resources as they wish, even if the soldier is relocated.