NJ A3077

Licensed acute care hospitals in New Jersey must perform psychological and psychiatric evaluations on patients being treated for drug overdoses prior to discharge.

All health insurance carriers, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and commercial insurers, must cover these evaluations.

Coverage for overdose-related psychiatric evaluations must be provided at the same level as benefits for any other medical condition under the policy.

The State Health Benefits Commission and School Employees' Health Benefits Commission must include this coverage in all contracts they purchase.

The law takes effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment and applies to all health benefits plans issued or renewed after that date.