New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3574

Introduced
2/9/23  

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 implementation of this program is intended to significantly impact state laws relating to mental health services by facilitating comprehensive support systems tailored to the needs of a vulnerable population. It allows for the establishment of designated therapeutic respite homes across various regions in the state, improving access to crisis management resources and enabling more community-based interventions. This response to behavioral health crises represents a shift towards prioritizing community living and personalized care, which may inform future legislation focused on integrating mental health support within existing health and human services frameworks.

Summary

Senate Bill 3574 establishes a five-year pilot program in New Jersey to coordinate the provision of START (Systematic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resource, and Treatment) services for adults with both developmental disabilities and mental illness. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Human Services to initiate the program within 180 days of its effective date and aims to enhance the mental stability and overall wellbeing of these individuals while enabling them to remain in community settings rather than face institutionalization. The program's objectives include promoting health, enhancing independence, and providing essential therapeutic spaces and resources for eligible adults experiencing behavioral health crises.

Contention

While the bill outlines substantial benefits for those affected, there may be areas of contention regarding the funding and resources necessary to sustain the program for its intended duration. Concerns might arise related to ensuring adequate staffing and facilities capable of meeting the diverse needs of participants. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of the proposed model in truly capturing and addressing the complexities of mental health and developmental disabilities in real-world scenarios. Continuous assessment and reporting mechanisms as established in the bill are crucial for addressing these issues and optimizing service delivery throughout the pilot period.

Companion Bills

NJ A3675

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.

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 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 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 S1082

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

NJ A1289

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 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 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 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.

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.

Similar Bills

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 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 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.