Bill > A5988

Introduced Session

This bill requires the involuntary commitment of individuals who have been administered an opioid antidote for the emergency treatment of an apparent opioid overdose. This bill amends the law governing involuntary commitment by amending the definition of the term "dangerous to self" to include individuals who have been administered an opioid antidote for the emergency treatment of an apparent opioid overdoes.. The bill defines the term "opioid antidote" to mean naloxone hydrochloride, or any other similarly acting drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of an opioid overdose. Under the bill, an individual who has recently been administered an opioid antidote is to be determined to be dangerous to self. Under current law, section 2 of P.L.1987, c.116 (C.30:4-27.2), "dangerous to self" means that "by reason of mental illness the person has threatened or attempted suicide or serious bodily harm, or has behaved in such a manner as to indicate that the person is unable to satisfy his need for nourishment, essential medical care or shelter, so that it is probable that substantial bodily injury, serious physical harm or death will result within the reasonably foreseeable future; however, no person shall be deemed to be unable to satisfy his need for nourishment, essential medical care or shelter if he is able to satisfy such needs with the supervision and assistance of others who are willing and available. This determination shall take into account a person's history, recent behavior and any recent act, threat or serious psychiatric deterioration."

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Chris DePhillips (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee (on 11/25/2019)

Official Document