NJ A3793

Licensed health care facilities must screen health care workers and first responders for COVID-19 pandemic-related PTSD symptoms upon intake for inpatient or outpatient services, with individuals retaining the right to refuse screening.

Facilities must implement measures to avoid redundant screenings across the state unless the individual requests another screening or it is clinically appropriate.

Health care workers or first responders who screen positive must be offered referrals to treatment resources and links to informational resources from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

DMHAS must develop or identify a PTSD screening tool with guidance for facilities, publish treatment resources online, and implement additional programs to meet clinical needs of affected workers.

The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment and requires the Department of Health to link to DMHAS resources on its website.