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 well-being of patients recovering from such critical conditions. Additionally, the bill requires that various health insurance plans, including those from hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and state health benefits programs, provide coverage for these evaluations, ensuring that patients have access to necessary mental health assessments without financial barriers.

The legislation specifies that the required evaluations must be included in health insurance contracts issued or renewed after the bill's effective date, and that the coverage for these evaluations should be equivalent to that of any other medical condition. The bill also empowers the Commissioner of Health to adopt necessary regulations to implement its provisions effectively. Overall, this initiative aims to enhance the mental health support available to individuals recovering from drug overdoses, thereby promoting better health outcomes and reducing the risk of relapse.