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NJ A2490
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Tennille McCoy
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a new licensure pathway for non-hospital based inpatient residential mental health treatment facilities in New Jersey, providing 45 to 120 day treatment programs for adolescents (ages 12-21) and adults
- Requires licensed facilities to obtain national accreditation (such as Joint Commission), maintain minimum staffing ratios of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, and submit to annual unannounced inspections by the Department of Health
- Establishes a Mental Health Workforce Development Program offering training grants, loan forgiveness for professionals committing to 5 years of practice in the state, and competitive salary incentives to address the shortage affecting approximately 40,000 residents
- Mandates comprehensive treatment plans incorporating medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and somatic therapy
- Requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on facility outcomes, hospital admission reductions, and workforce development progress, with regulations to be developed within 180 days of enactment
Legislative Description
Creates New Jersey Mental Health Residential Reform Treatment Act.
Health
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
1/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Health1/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available