New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1952

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

Impact

The bill mandates thorough background checks for potential administrators and representatives within these facilities, requiring criminal history record checks as a precursor for licensure. This is designed to enhance the safety of residents, ensuring that individuals in management or care positions do not have a background that could endanger residents. Furthermore, facilities are prohibited from removing residents without prior notice unless they pose an immediate threat, allowing individuals some stability and time to secure alternative housing.

Summary

A1952 is a legislative bill introduced in New Jersey that aims to clarify and expand the authority of the Department of Human Services (DHS) to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities. The bill emphasizes the licensing framework that will now encompass these facilities under existing statutes related to substance abuse treatment. Its primary objective is to ensure that such facilities adhere to a set structure of standards to protect residents and ensure accountability among operators.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A1952 may arise primarily from the provisions allowing the DHS to enforce strict standards that facilities must follow. Some stakeholders might be concerned about the implications these regulations could have on the availability of sober living arrangements, particularly the burden of compliance added on smaller or less-resourced facilities. Additionally, the stipulation for mandatory background checks may face opposition from those advocating for rehabilitation and employment opportunities for individuals with past convictions, fearing potential discrimination against them.

Companion Bills

NJ S1042

Same As Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2198

Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

NJ S1042

Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

NJ S4015

Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

NJ SB1317

Substance abuse: residential treatment facilities.

NJ A2586

Clarifies DHS authority over sober living homes, and requires certain sober living homes to be dedicated for use by persons in substance use recovery who have other mental health disorders.

NJ S3253

Revises licensure and regulatory requirements for residential substance use disorders treatment facilities or programs.

NJ SB325

Alabama Youth Residential Facility Abuse Prevention Act; youth residential facilities, requirements to disclose allegations of abuse or neglect, further provided

NJ A4033

Revises licensure and regulatory requirements for residential substance use disorders treatment facilities or programs.

NJ AB877

Health care coverage: substance use disorder: residential facilities.

NJ A3959

Regulates residential mental health treatment facilities.

Similar Bills

NJ A2198

Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

NJ S1042

Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

NJ S4015

Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

NJ S4266

Transfers oversight to certified nurse aides from DOH to Board of Nursing.

NJ A197

Authorizes medical marijuana for treatment of substance use disorder; authorizes all patients to be dispensed medical marijuana in edible form.

MN HF4393

Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General policy bill; human services licensing, background studies, provider notification, substance use disorder medication, and electronic signature provisions modified.

MN SF4665

Department of Human Services Office of Inspector general policy bill

MN SF2620

Human services provisions modifications