NJ A767

Requires the Department of Health, in coordination with University Behavioral HealthCare of Rutgers, to establish a toll-free 24/7 helpline for first responders, health care workers, and frontline workers experiencing PTSD from COVID-19 pandemic work

Helpline operators must identify callers needing further peer support or counseling services and provide appropriate referrals to those individuals and their families

Operators must be trained in PTSD and emotional/psychological issues unique to frontline workers, or trained to provide counseling on marriage/family life, substance abuse, and stress management

Caller names, information discussed, and referrals must remain confidential, though guidelines may allow tracking of individuals who exhibit severe disorders that could result in harm to themselves or others

Commissioner of Health is authorized to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the helpline program