New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3122

Introduced
10/3/22  
Refer
10/3/22  
Report Pass
5/11/23  

Caption

Creates online job portal for behavioral health care workers and online internship and externship portal for health care students.

Impact

The implementation of S3122 is projected to impact the state's health care landscape by directly addressing workforce shortages within the behavioral health sector. By facilitating easier access to job openings and internships, the bill promotes greater engagement between students and in-state employers, potentially leading to a stronger pipeline of qualified professionals. In addition, the bill aligns with broader state efforts to improve mental health resources and services, which have been increasingly recognized as essential components of public health amidst rising concerns over mental health issues.

Summary

Senate Bill S3122 aims to enhance the availability of behavioral health care services in New Jersey by creating online platforms designed to connect employers with potential employees in the behavioral health sector. This initiative includes establishing a job portal specifically for behavioral health care workers, as well as an internship and externship portal for students pursuing careers in health care. Such online resources are intended to improve the recruitment process for employers and support the development of future professionals in this critical area of health care.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding S3122 appears to be supportive, particularly among health care and educational advocates who see the bill as a proactive measure to strengthen the health care workforce. However, as with any legislative initiative, there are concerns regarding the funding and long-term maintenance of the online portals. Stakeholders express optimism that these platforms will effectively reduce barriers to employment in the behavioral health domain, which could lead to improved service delivery for patients in need of support.

Contention

While the bill enjoys broad support, discussions have sparked some concern regarding the operational aspects of the proposed online portals. Questions have been raised about the management of these platforms, specifically whether the state health department will sufficiently maintain and update the portals to remain relevant to the labor market. Additionally, there's a call for ensuring that the job postings reflect a wide range of opportunities within behavioral health, as well as addressing how these developments will be funded and integrated into existing systems.

Companion Bills

NJ A4618

Same As Creates online job portal for behavioral health care workers and online internship and externship portal for health care students.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4618

Creates online job portal for behavioral health care workers and online internship and externship portal for health care students.

NJ S1609

Creates online job portal for behavioral health care workers and online internship and externship portal for health care students.

NJ A3775

Creates online job portal for behavioral health care workers and online internship and externship portal for health care students.

NJ AB2666

Behavioral health internship grant program.

NJ SB964

Behavioral health.

NJ S3261

Permits behavioral and mental health care providers to operate within homeless shelters.

NJ A4755

Permits behavioral and mental health care providers to operate within homeless shelters.

NJ HF4210

Hospital and violence intervention team safety requirements established, hospitals required to have a secure online portal for reporting of violence incidents and threats of violence, de-escalation training required for all hospital health care workers, and report required.

NJ S1970

Permits minors 13 years of age and older to consent to behavioral health care services.

NJ S3871

Permits minors 13 years of age and older to consent to behavioral health care services.

Similar Bills

TX HB2703

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB26

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB589

Relating to the licensing and regulation of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees.

RI H5635

Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.

RI S0790

Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.

CA AB2416

Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Act: virtual platform.

CA AB686

California Community-Based Behavioral Health Outcomes and Accountability Review.

HI SB1340

Relating To The Practice Of Behavior Analysis.