New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A805

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to establish 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline and develop hotline connection system to ensure that callers are connected to other appropriate hotlines when needed.

Impact

The establishment of this hotline is expected to have a significant impact on state mental health services by improving accessibility to resources and supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. Additionally, the bill mandates a warm hand-off process for emergency situations, ensuring that calls indicating potential suicide are redirected immediately to the New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline. This process is designed to provide timely and critical assistance, reinforcing the state's commitment to mental health initiatives.

Summary

Bill A805, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, requires the Commissioner of Human Services to establish a 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline that responds to non-emergency mental health issues and crises. This hotline will serve as an accessible resource for individuals seeking help either for themselves or for others. Staffed by licensed professionals with training in various mental health disciplines, the hotline aims to connect callers to appropriate state and local programs and services that address their mental health needs effectively.

Contention

There may be some concerns regarding the effectiveness and funding of the hotline, as well as the necessity for extensive public awareness campaigns to promote its availability. The bill also stipulates that promotional materials must be understandable to children and young adults, indicating a proactive approach to mental health education in younger demographics. However, the operational efficiency of the hotline and its integration with existing mental health services in New Jersey will require ongoing evaluation to address potential challenges and ensure the hotline meets its objectives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3515

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to establish 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline and develop hotline connection system to ensure that callers are connected to other appropriate hotlines when needed.

NJ S1088

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to establish 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline and develop hotline connection system to ensure that callers are connected to other appropriate hotlines when needed.

NJ HB795

Public Health, Department of; establish an Infant Wellness Resource hotline service

NJ S4050

Allows follow up communication from operators of telephone number for mental health and suicide crisis resources or 9-8-8 crisis hotline to minors at risk of committing suicide.

NJ AB456

Public postsecondary education: campus mental health hotlines: report.

NJ A126

Establishes "New Jersey Fire and EMS Crisis Intervention Services" telephone hotline.

NJ S1843

Establishes "New Jersey Fire and EMS Crisis Intervention Services" telephone hotline.

NJ A2864

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 S4207

Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000.

NJ SB2200

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of health and human services for the 988 crisis hotline program.

Similar Bills

NJ A3515

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to establish 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline and develop hotline connection system to ensure that callers are connected to other appropriate hotlines when needed.

NJ S1088

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to establish 24-hour, toll-free Mental Illness Resource Hotline and develop hotline connection system to ensure that callers are connected to other appropriate hotlines when needed.

NJ A5666

Establishes initiatives related to behavioral health care, including increasing reimbursement rates, providing cost-of-living adjustments, establishing grant programs for facility upkeep and provider training, and relaxing clinical supervision requirements.

NJ S3918

Establishes initiatives related to behavioral health care, including increasing reimbursement rates, providing cost-of-living adjustments, establishing grant programs for facility upkeep and provider training, and relaxing clinical supervision requirements.

NJ A4293

Establishes initiatives related to behavioral health care, including increasing reimbursement rates, providing cost-of-living adjustments, establishing grant programs for facility upkeep and provider training, and relaxing clinical supervision requirements.

NJ S2581

Establishes initiatives related to behavioral health care, including increasing reimbursement rates, providing cost-of-living adjustments, establishing grant programs for facility upkeep and provider training, and relaxing clinical supervision requirements.

NY S00607

Provides for the licensure of dietitians and nutritionists; defines the practice thereof.

CA SB775

Board of Psychology and Board of Behavioral Sciences.