New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S4007

Introduced
6/26/23  

Caption

"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Impact

The legislation is designed to improve access to mental health services for the deaf and hard of hearing community. It establishes guidelines requiring that professionals be fluent in the client's preferred communication method, thereby enhancing the quality of care and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. The Act also calls for the establishment of a deaf services coordinator role to oversee the implementation and ensure compliance with these requirements across the state. This role includes monitoring service delivery and ensuring adequate funding and resources are made available to meet the community's needs.

Summary

Bill S4007, titled the 'Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act', aims to ensure that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can access mental health services that are both culturally affirmative and linguistically appropriate. The legislation recognizes that this demographic often faces significant barriers to obtaining adequate mental health care due to communication challenges and the complexities of their needs. This Act mandates that mental health professionals provide services using the primary communication method preferred by the client, which may include various sign languages as well as oral communication.

Contention

While supporters of Bill S4007 argue that it significantly improves the accessibility of mental health services for an underserved population, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation costs and the necessity of training mental health professionals in culturally competent care. Critics could argue that the requirements outlined may place an additional burden on existing mental health resources, particularly in areas where specialists are scarce. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding whether the requirements for different modes of communication and the fluency of mental health professionals adequately address the diverse needs within the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Companion Bills

NJ A5600

Same As "Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5600

"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ A1673

"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ HB06637

An Act Concerning A Mental Health Bill Of Rights For Deaf, Deafblind And Hard Of Hearing Persons.

NJ S1067

Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services.

NJ S0172

An act relating to the Education Bill of Rights for Children Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind

NJ HB184

Modify language in the MCA that may diminish the dignity of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing

NJ AB395

Revises provisions relating to services to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. (BDR 40-841)

NJ S3762

Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ A4929

Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ HB2072

Relating to services for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and licensing requirements for interpreters for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing; providing an administrative penalty; requiring a fee and changing the rate of a fee.

Similar Bills

NJ S1067

Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services.

NJ A5600

"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ A1673

"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

CA SB1033

Health care coverage.

CT HB06637

An Act Concerning A Mental Health Bill Of Rights For Deaf, Deafblind And Hard Of Hearing Persons.

CA AB2007

Health care language assistance services.

CA SB223

Health care language assistance services.

CA AB843

Health care coverage: language access.