NJ S4849

Establishes a Statewide tele-psychiatry program within the Department of Human Services to provide psychiatric assessments and treatment for patients experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises via two-way real-time interactive audio or video

Requires DHS to submit an implementation plan within 9 months and achieve Statewide implementation within 3 years, contracting with a partner organization to administer the program

Mandates annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on program metrics including number of participating sites, psychiatric assessments conducted, patient length of stay, and involuntary commitment rates

Requires DHS to provide ongoing oversight including annual site visits, quarterly financial reviews, facilitation of linkages with critical access and rural hospitals, and addressing barriers identified by participants

Appropriates $4 million from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services to implement the program