NJ A3628

Mental health assessments must be performed by a mental health screener before routine laboratory and diagnostic testing is conducted on persons being evaluated for involuntary commitment to treatment

Laboratory and diagnostic testing would only proceed if the initial assessment indicates involuntary commitment seems necessary, potentially reducing unnecessary testing expenses and emergency room wait times

The definition of "mental health screener" is updated to include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, registered nurses, and marriage and family therapists who meet certification criteria established by the Commissioner of Human Services

Mental health screeners must possess appropriate professional licenses and meet academic training, experience, and other requirements set by commissioner regulation, though psychiatrists and licensed clinical psychologists are exempt from additional requirements

The bill takes effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment and does not alter existing standardized admission protocols for transferring hospital emergency department patients to psychiatric facilities