New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2864

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

Impact

The bill is poised to significantly affect the landscape of mental health support in New Jersey by implementing a structured approach to crisis management. By designating at least one therapeutic respite home in each region (northern, central, and southern), it aims to facilitate timely crisis response and provide essential services to individuals in need. As this initiative is community-focused, it aligns with modern approaches to mental health care that prioritize patient autonomy and the least restrictive treatment options available. This shift also groups various services to allow better joint management and support across different service providers, thus enhancing the overall service delivery system for these vulnerable populations.

Summary

A2864 requires the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish a five-year pilot program delivering systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services specifically for adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness. The primary aim of this initiative is to provide adequate support and services that help individuals manage their conditions more effectively within their community rather than facing the threats of institutionalization. This pilot program is intended to promote overall wellness while offering respite and stabilization options during behavioral health crises.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding A2864 could be the allocation of resources necessary for the effective establishment and maintenance of the pilot program. Critics may argue that ensuring the availability of sufficient respite and stabilization beds, alongside other related services, may present logistical and funding challenges. Furthermore, questions may also arise about the implementation details, such as the adequacy of staffing at these therapeutic homes and whether the proposed services meet the diverse needs of eligible adults effectively. The success of this pilot program will likely hinge on ongoing assessment, adjustment, and possible expansion based on early findings and outcomes from the provided services.

Companion Bills

NJ S644

Same As Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

NJ A3675

Carry Over Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

NJ S3574

Carry Over Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3675

Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

NJ S3574

Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

NJ S644

Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

NJ A1289

Provides a plan to rebalance State resources to provide community services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities.

NJ HB109

Mental health; five-year pilot program for the purpose of creating emergency psychiatric assessment, treatment, and healing units or EmPATH units in hospitals; provide

NJ S1082

Provides a plan to rebalance State resources to provide community services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities.

NJ A2143

Requires each county to establish Reentry, Mental Health, and Addiction Services Coordination Committee to facilitate coordinated provision of mental health, addiction and reentry services to county residents.

NJ HF671

Grant programs established for various purposes related to children's mental health, provisions governing long-term care consultation services modified, children's mental health service rates modified, psychiatric residential treatment facility working group established, reports required, and money appropriated.

NJ HF1198

Child care assistance expanded, grants and rules regarding children's mental health expanded and modified, transition to community initiative modified, staff training requirements modified, covered transportation services modified, coverage of clinical care coordination modified, children's long-term stays in emergency room rules modified, rural family response and stabilization services pilot program established, and money appropriated.

NJ HF2234

Home and community-based services systemic critical incident review team established, adult foster care and community residential setting licensing provisions clarified, substance use disorder treatment requirements modified, councils and committees extended, provider-controlled and own-home settings clarified, and chemical health pilot program obsolete language repealed.

Similar Bills

NJ S3574

Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

NJ S644

Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

NJ A3675

Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.

CA AB226

Children’s crisis psychiatric residential treatment facilities.

CA AB501

Mental health: community care facilities.

CA AB808

Foster youth.

CA SB408

Foster youth with complex needs: regional health teams.