This bill mandates that acute care general hospitals in New Jersey conduct psychological and psychiatric evaluations for patients treated for drug overdoses before their discharge. It establishes that these evaluations are essential for ensuring the mental health of patients recovering from substance abuse issues. The bill also stipulates that various health insurance plans, including those from health service corporations, medical service corporations, individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and state health benefits programs, must cover the costs associated with these evaluations.

The legislation aims to enhance patient care by ensuring that individuals who have experienced a drug overdose receive necessary mental health assessments, which can be critical for their recovery and ongoing support. It requires that the insurance benefits for these evaluations be provided on par with other medical conditions, thereby promoting comprehensive care for patients in vulnerable situations. The bill is set to take effect seven months after its enactment, applying to all relevant health benefits plans issued or renewed thereafter.