Bill
Bill > S516
NJ S516
NJ S516Requires hospitals to inquire whether patients have substance use disorder and establish protocols for providing or referring to treatment.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would require acute care hospitals to inquire whether a patient who is 18 years of age or older has a substance use disorder or is in recovery from a substance use disorder. The bill also requires each hospital to establish appropriate protocols for providing treatment or referral to treatment for patients who indicate that they have a substance use disorder or are in recovery from a substance use disorder. Such protocols would be available to the public upon request.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that general acute care hospitals in New Jersey must ask patients aged 18 and older if they have a substance use disorder, which is a condition where a person has a problematic pattern of using alcohol or other drugs, leading to significant problems or distress, or if they are in recovery from such a disorder. Within 180 days of the bill becoming law, each hospital must also develop and implement official protocols, either facility-wide or specific to certain units, for either providing treatment for substance use disorders or referring patients to appropriate treatment services. These protocols must be made available to the public upon request, and the Commissioner of Health is empowered to create any necessary rules and regulations to ensure the bill's implementation.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S516 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/516_I1.HTM |
Loading...