NJ A5408

Extends the sunset date for temporary involuntary commitment procedures from 24 months to 36 months after the original effective date of P.L.2023, c.139, allowing continued detention of persons for up to 72 hours from screening certificate execution without a court order

Requires hospitals and emergency departments to submit applications for extended holds before the 72-hour limit expires when placement cannot be secured, and mandates that patient's counsel be notified and complete investigations before courts can grant continued hold orders

Mandates a follow-up study by the Departments of Human Services and Health on psychiatric bed capacity, with a report due by April 30, 2026, analyzing supply and demand for involuntary and voluntary beds, forensic beds, and short-term care facility beds

Establishes an educational committee of stakeholders through the Department of Human Services to educate short-term care facilities and county judges about legal obligations to accept patients

Requires mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities to display open bed availability information on their websites daily until a statewide data dashboard is developed, and makes this information available to screening services and hospitals