This bill establishes clear rules for New Jersey public schools when removing students for mental health clearance. Schools may only remove a student in an emergency where they or others face immediate physical danger, and must notify parents immediately (with a written report within 48 hours). It requires schools to provide free mental health clearances, ensure continued instruction during removal (if over 5 days), and update a student’s education plan (like an IEP or 504 plan) after return. The bill also prohibits schools from imposing extra conditions beyond the mental health clearance for re-entry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
