NJ A2976

Establishes the Behavioral Health Services Task Force within the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services to review and improve mental health and substance use disorder services statewide

Creates a 26-member task force including the Commissioners of Health, Human Services, and Children and Families (ex officio), plus 23 public members appointed by the Governor (7), Senate President (8), and Speaker of the General Assembly (8)

Requires the task force to survey the current behavioral health care system county-by-county for acute, short-term, and long-term care, and identify gaps in services for children, adolescents, and adults

Authorizes the task force to contract with organizations like Rutgers Center for State Health Policy for research and analysis, and to solicit grants from public and private sources

Mandates submission of findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of the act's effective date, after which the task force will expire