The bill aims to improve mental health treatment facilities in New Jersey by requiring the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health to conduct a joint study on the challenges of placing individuals in appropriate treatment settings. This study will focus on the supply and demand for both involuntary and voluntary commitment beds, with findings and legislative recommendations to be reported to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months. A follow-up study is also mandated by April 30, 2026, to analyze factors affecting patient placement, such as geographic location and patient demographics. Additionally, the bill introduces temporary licenses for hospitals to accommodate involuntary commitment patients and establishes an educational committee to inform stakeholders about the legal obligations of short-term care facilities.

Moreover, the bill enhances the accessibility of information related to services provided by the Department of Human Services. It requires specific information to be prominently displayed on the department's website, made available through the Statewide 2-1-1 telephone system, and shared with screening services and hospitals. The Commissioner of Human Services is authorized to solicit grants to support the development of a data dashboard report, which facilities must display on their own websites and update daily until fully developed. The bill is effective immediately upon approval, which occurred on July 22, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4-27.9
Advance Law: 30:4-27.3, 30:4-27.9, 30:4-177.66
Pamphlet Law: 30:4-27.3, 30:4-27.9, 30:4-177.66