This bill aims to enhance community mental health programs by specifically including mental health services for veterans and ensuring they are not denied access to county mental health services. It amends existing legislation to declare that the public policy of New Jersey includes the provision of mental health services to veterans as part of the community mental health program offerings. Additionally, it mandates that reimbursement or advancement grants from the Department of Human Services be utilized to initiate or expand mental health services specifically for veterans, a population that was previously not included in the target groups for these grants.

Furthermore, the bill establishes protections for veterans seeking mental health services by stipulating that they cannot be denied access based solely on their veteran status or while awaiting eligibility determinations from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. County mental health programs are required to inform veterans of their potential eligibility for VA services and may collaborate with community-based organizations to provide specialized mental health services for veterans. The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Human Services to adopt necessary regulations to implement these changes effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:9A-1, 30:9A-9.2