Bill > S4617

This bill creates the New Jersey Mental Health Residential Reform Treatment Act to address critical gaps in the state's mental health care system by establishing a comprehensive licensure pathway for non-hospital based inpatient residential mental health treatment facilities for adolescents (ages 12-21) and adults. The bill recognizes the current shortage of mental health professionals and limited treatment options, which affects approximately 40,000 residents, and aims to provide mid-to-long-term treatment lasting 45 to 120 days. The legislation mandates rigorous licensing requirements, including national accreditation, minimum staffing ratios with licensed professionals, mandatory trauma-informed training, comprehensive patient treatment plans, and facility safety standards. Additionally, the bill establishes a Mental Health Workforce Development Program to address professional shortages through grants, loan forgiveness, and salary incentives, and requires the creation of referral pathways and insurance coverage coordination. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Labor, will oversee implementation, develop regulations within 180 days, maintain a public registry of licensed facilities, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature tracking the program's impact on mental health services and patient outcomes.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4617