Establishes pilot program to refer certain emergency department patients for development of coordinated behavioral health care treatment and support services plan.
Impact
The pilot program mandates that hospitals involved refer patients presenting with behavioral health concerns to available community resources rather than relying solely on inpatient care. This initiative is part of a larger move within state healthcare to integrate behavioral health services with existing healthcare frameworks, particularly focusing on connecting emergency departments with regional health hubs to address mental health and substance use issues promptly. Such integration is expected to improve healthcare outcomes and potentially reduce the rates of emergency care utilization for behavioral health issues.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2795 establishes a pilot program under the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) aimed at creating coordinated, specialized treatment plans for individuals facing behavioral health issues. This applies specifically to patients with mild to moderate mental health issues, emotional disturbances, or substance use disorders who present at participating hospitals' emergency departments but do not meet inpatient admission criteria. The program emphasizes timely referral to appropriate community-based treatments and support services, fostering a framework to better meet the healthcare needs of this population.
Contention
While many stakeholders may support the enhanced focus on behavioral health services, the implementation of this bill could evoke concerns regarding the adequacy of community resources and the capabilities of regional health hubs to manage patient referrals effectively. Questions might arise around funding necessary to sustain these services and whether the program will sufficiently bridge gaps in care that have historically led to inadequate treatment for those with behavioral health issues. Collaboration across healthcare networks will be essential to address these potential challenges effectively.
Same As
Establishes pilot program to refer certain emergency department patients for development of coordinated behavioral health care treatment and support services plan.
Carry Over
Establishes pilot program to refer certain emergency department patients for development of coordinated behavioral health care treatment and support services plan.
Carry Over
Establishes pilot program to refer certain emergency department patients for development of coordinated behavioral health care treatment and support services plan.
Establishes pilot program to refer certain emergency department patients for development of coordinated behavioral health care treatment and support services plan.
Establishes pilot program to refer certain emergency department patients for development of coordinated behavioral health care treatment and support services plan.
Health; reassign licensing and oversight of certain treatments and programs from Departments of Community Health to Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.
Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.
Requires DHS to establish five-year pilot program to facilitate coordinated provision of systemic, therapeutic, assessment, resource, and treatment (START) services to adults who have both developmental disabilities and mental illness.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26
Health occupations: health professionals; limited license for certain individuals engaging in the practice of applied behavior analysis; provide for. Amends secs. 16343a, 18253 & 18257 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16343a et seq.).