New NJ laws target abuses in addiction recovery

New NJ laws target abuses in addiction recovery / NJ Spotlight / August 11, 2025

By Ted Goldberg

Two new state laws aim to crack down on bad actors in New Jersey’s addiction recovery industry.

Acting Gov. Tahesha Way signed two bills Monday that increase penalties for deceptive marketing and “body brokering,” a practice where people are paid to refer patients in addiction to specific recovery centers.

“We must ensure proper treatment without exploitation by holding providers accountable and implementing strong safeguards,” said Way. “Too often, vulnerable people are targeted by those who prioritize profit over care, which is unacceptable.”

Elissa Tierney, lead organizer with the “Not One More – Ending Overdose” campaign, applauded the legislation.

“If these bills are implemented, it will be leading the way for body brokering in the country,” she said. “If a law is going to affect a group of people, they should be involved in creating that law. And that’s why I think these two bills are very strong.”

The bills increase penalties for body brokering from a fourth-degree crime to a third-degree crime, the equivalent of a stronger felony charge, and include a $50,000 fine. They would also require restitution to be paid to affected patients and insurers.

“These laws send a clear message that exploitation has no place in treatment, and they represent a significant step forward in ensuring that individuals with substance use disorder who place their trust in us are protected,” said Kenny Esser, executive vice president of Behavioral Health Care Transformation Services at Hackensack Meridian Health.

This report is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.