Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements are shrinking, and the foundation of the health care industry’s fee structure is getting a makeover. But that’s not stopping some forward-thinking health systems from continuing to expand as they adjust to the new normal.

The state's number of federal judges has been gradually whittled down from 17 to 11 since 2015, resulting in a backlog in the system and creating a “judicial emergency.”

Founded in 1965 by Joseph Fenton Mulcahy, Fenton Construction was passed on to Joseph’s son Michael J. Mulcahy in 1987, who grew it into a large general contractor and construction management company ready to service ground-up or interior projects.

Under a measure signed into law on Friday, the state's health commissioner is encouraged to develop programs and resources to entice support for women from health care providers, community health workers and health care facilities in developing a reproductive life plan.

Physician assistants can now sign, modify, or revoke POLST forms in the same manner as physicians and advanced practice nurses.

As of February, the firm had 21 offices, including one in Newark, and 225 attorneys nationwide.

A certification program signed into law directs the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to consult with schools to foster the development of certificate programs with connections to regional employers.

The bipartisan legislation expands the State Medicaid program to cover group services following guidelines set forth by CenteringPregnancy, a model designed to enhance participation in group prenatal care from minority and low-income communities.

“Found in more than 25,000 products, the versatile and profitable hemp plant will encourage new business growth and boost the state’s agricultural economy," said Sen. Steven Oroho, a sponsor of the measure. "With burdensome federal and state regulations removed, New Jersey farmers can greatly benefit from this potential billion-dollar industry.”

Under the measure municipalities can designate these places as “areas in need of redevelopment,” a status that allows them to provide economic stimuli to attract investment, businesses and jobs.

The new law, which permits refreshments to be served at the discretion of owners, goes into effect immediately.

Tinton Falls-based Two River Community Bank, and a separate agreement with New York-based Country Bank, will expand the financial institution's footprint into New York City.