A measure sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) to create better coordinated and comprehensive primary and behavioral health care services was adopted by the full Senate.

Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation allows for better coordinated and comprehensive primary and behavioral health care services. (©iStock)

Under Senator Singer’s legislation, S2375, ambulatory care facilities would be permitted to provide primary health care services and behavioral health care services under a single license.

“The state’s current requirement forcing facilities to obtain multiple licenses is an unnecessary burden that restricts a patients’ access to needed care and makes it much more difficult for health centers to provide coordinated, holistic care,” said Singer. “Making it easier for ambulatory care facilities to also provide mental health services will allow more patients to get the full spectrum of care that they need.”

To provide the highest level of care to all we must continue to find ways to better integrate health care services. http://t.co/ltrqIGZfys

— Senator Bob Singer (@bobsingernj) September 24, 2015

Currently, behavioral health service providers are licensed by the Department of Human Services, while ambulatory care facilities are licensed by the Department of Health.

“To provide the highest level of care to all New Jerseyans we must continue to find ways to better integrate health care services,” Singer added.