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 laws to establish that the public policy of New Jersey encourages the expansion of community mental health programs to provide services to veterans, which was not explicitly stated before. Additionally, it modifies the criteria for reimbursement or advancement grants from the Department of Human Services to include veterans in need of mental health services as a target population.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that veterans who meet the eligibility requirements for county mental health services cannot be denied these services based solely on their veteran status or while awaiting eligibility determinations from the U.S. 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 offer veteran-specific mental health services. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that veterans receive the necessary mental health support without barriers related to their status.

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