Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3570: Establishes pilot program to refer certain emergency department patients for development of coordinated behavioral health care treatment and support services plan.

This bill establishes a pilot program in New Jersey's Department of Human Services to connect emergency department patients with behavioral health needs - such as mild mental health issues, emotional disturbances, or substance use disorders that don't require inpatient care - to coordinated community treatment. Participating hospitals (two per Regional Health Hub) must refer these patients to available services, while Regional Health Hubs will support hospitals in developing protocols for timely referrals, follow-up, transportation, and appointment scheduling. The program requires Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare to cover these services, with the state seeking federal funding to support implementation. It directly affects emergency patients with non-emergency behavioral health needs and hospitals participating in the pilot.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates pilot program to connect emergency patients with behavioral health services, improving access to mental health care and coordinating community treatment for non-inpatient needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SR 71: Urges Congress and President of US to enact "Kids Online Safety Act."

This New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 71) urges Congress and the President to enact the federal "Kids Online Safety Act." It does not create new laws but formally requests federal action to address social media's impact on minors. The resolution cites research linking social media use to rising mental health issues among children (ages 8-17), noting increased screen time and documented mental health risks. It specifically calls for the federal act to promote data safety, limit addictive design features, expand parental controls, and prevent harmful content for minors. As a non-binding resolution, it directly affects federal lawmakers but does not change current policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill cites mental health risks linked to social media in minors and urges federal action to address them, supporting mental health (a healthcare topic).85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyUrges federal regulation to promote minors' data safety and limit addictive social media design, aligning with privacy protection and consumer safety measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Online Safety Social Media

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3039: Permits telemedicine services to be provided using audio-only technology when providing behavioral health care services.

This bill allows New Jersey health care providers to use audio-only technology (like phone calls) for behavioral health care services, such as treating mild to moderate anxiety or depression, instead of requiring video. It specifically applies to these "mild to moderate" mental health conditions and excludes severe mental illness, severe emotional disorders, or substance use treatment. The law maintains all other telemedicine requirements, including provider licensing, patient record reviews, and standard of care. This change makes behavioral health telemedicine more accessible for patients without reliable video technology.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows audio-only telemedicine for mild/moderate behavioral health, expanding access without video requirements, directly supporting mental health service accessibility.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Telehealth

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3793: Requires health care facilities to screen health care workers and first responders for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder related to COVID-19 pandemic.

This bill (A 3793) requires New Jersey health care facilities to screen health care workers and first responders - those who provided pandemic response or essential services during the COVID-19 crisis - for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the pandemic when they seek inpatient or outpatient care. Facilities must avoid redundant screenings across the state, respect an individual’s right to refuse screening, and offer referrals to treatment resources and links to mental health information if symptoms are identified. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services must develop a screening tool and publish resource links on its website, which facilities must share with affected workers and link to via the Department of Health’s website. The law aims to ensure timely access to mental health support for pandemic responders through standardized, non-intrusive screening and resource coordination.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates PTSD screenings and treatment referrals for healthcare workers, advancing mental health services within healthcare facilities per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1606: Establishes two-year pilot program for certain mental health care facilities to treat additional juvenile patients.

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program allowing select mental health facilities to treat juvenile patients (ages 14-17) in vacant adult treatment beds. To participate, facilities must employ juvenile psychiatrists, have staff trained for youth, offer age-appropriate programs, and be licensed for both adult and juvenile care. During the pilot, facilities may place juveniles in vacant adult beds when clinically appropriate and move adults to voluntary beds when feasible. The program ends after a report evaluates its impact on care quality for both adult and juvenile patients.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands mental health treatment for juveniles (14-17), supporting rehabilitation - a key component of criminal justice reform.80% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates pilot program expanding juvenile mental health access by utilizing vacant beds with required youth-specific staffing and programs, directly advancing mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1765: Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.

This bill allows New Jersey colleges to let final-year graduate students in mental health fields (like psychology or social work) graduate early or enter clinical residencies before the usual graduation date during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years. To qualify, students must complete all coursework, and institutions must assign a staff mentor to guide them during their residency. It specifically covers licensed mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists. The law aims to address pandemic-related mental health workforce shortages by accelerating student entry into practice.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables early graduation/residency for mental health graduate students at NJ higher ed institutions, supporting educational progression in higher education without restrictions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables early graduation/residency for mental health students, strengthening workforce access to mental health services during critical academic years.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3312: Mandates biennial LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for certain educators, healthcare professionals, and State employees.

This bill requires biennial LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for three specific groups: K-12 educators, licensed healthcare professionals, and all State employees (including part-time, full-time, and contract workers). The training covers LGBTQ+ identities and terminology, creating inclusive environments, responding to bias, and supporting mental health. Educators must complete a module provided by the Commissioner of Education, healthcare professionals must complete training under Title 45 licensing rules, and State employees must complete a program administered by the State Ethics Commission. The mandate applies to all covered individuals regardless of their specific role, with training required every two years.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates LGBTQ+ training for K-12 educators to foster inclusive environments, aligning with support for educator development and student well-being.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health support training for healthcare professionals per bill summary, aligning with supporting mental health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3278: Requires reporting of suicide attempts made by first responders.

This bill requires hospitals and medical examiners to report all suicide attempts or deaths by suicide involving first responders to New Jersey's Division of Mental Health Services within three business days. It directly affects police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel who respond to crises. The law mandates the creation of an anonymous state database tracking these incidents and requires an annual report to the Governor and Legislature with aggregated demographic data - without identifying individuals. The policy aims to improve data collection on first responder mental health, which has higher suicide rates than the general population. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates reporting to mental health services, creates anonymous database to improve mental health support for first responders, directly strengthening mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Tags Public Safety

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 367: Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

This bill creates a state-funded tuition reimbursement program for New Jersey residents who are certified advanced practice nurses (APRNs) with specialized mental health training. To qualify, nurses must agree to provide full-time mental health care in designated underserved areas for 1-4 years in return for reimbursement. The program covers 25% of eligible tuition costs per year of service (capped at 100% total), requiring participants to maintain NJ residency, certification, and service in areas identified by the Health Commissioner as having mental health professional shortages. It explicitly prohibits simultaneous participation with other state or federal loan repayment programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates state-funded tuition reimbursement for APRNs providing mental health care in underserved areas, expanding access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3796: Establishes loan redemption program and gross income tax credit for mental health professionals who serve children and adolescents.

This bill proposes a program to help mental health professionals working with children and adolescents in New Jersey reduce student loan debt. Licensed mental health professionals who live in New Jersey, work full-time providing counseling to youth, and have qualifying student loan debt can receive up to $1,000 annually toward their loans (for up to 4 years) or claim a $1,000 tax credit against their state income tax. To qualify, participants must maintain residency, employment in qualifying roles, and provide proof of loan balance and service each year. The program aims to support mental health workforce development by easing financial burdens for professionals serving young people.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credit reducing state tax burden for qualifying mental health professionals, aligning with tax relief for public service workers.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides financial incentives (loan relief/tax credit) for mental health professionals serving children/adolescents, directly expanding access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Mental Health

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