N.J. Stat. tit. 30, ch. 9A

N.J. Stat. tit. 30, ch. 9A
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-1 Declaration of policy

1. It is declared to be the public policy of this State to encourage the development of preventive, treatment and transitional services for mental health clients through the improvement and expansion of community mental health programs in designated service areas for the entire State which will provide these elements of adequate services: (a) In-patient services; (b) Out-patient services; (c) Partial hospitalization services such as day care, night care, weekend care; (d) Emergency services 24 hours per day to be available within at least one of the first three services listed above; (e) Consultation and education services available to community agencies and professional personnel; (f) Children's services; (g) Services for the elderly; (h) Screening services; (i) Rehabilitative services including vocational and educational programs; (j) Transitional services; (k) Advocacy services; (l) Training services; and (m) Research and evaluation. The aforementioned services are to be provided principally for persons residing in a particular community or communities which are designated as the community mental health center service area, in or near which the facilities providing the elements of service are situated. It is further declared to be the public policy of this State to establish a Community Mental Health Citizens Advisory Board for mental health services to plan, establish and recommend to the Commissioner of Human Services and the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services those policies which are necessary to ensure the development and adequate delivery of the aforementioned elements of mental health services. L.1957,c.146,s.1; amended 1967,c.100,s.1; 1979,c.331,s.1; 1995,c.4,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-2 Definitions

2. For the purpose of this act the following terms are hereby defined: "Community Mental Health Citizens Advisory Board" shall mean a board of 15 members to be appointed by the State Board of Institutional Trustees with the approval of the Governor. Of these 15, eight members shall be chosen from among citizens of the State who, as consumers, have demonstrated an interest in the delivery of mental health services and are not providers of mental health services; one from among persons recommended by the State Association of Freeholders; one from among persons recommended by the State League of Municipalities; two from among providers of mental health services and one from among persons recommended by the chairpersons of the standing Assembly and Senate committees on Human Services. The term of each member shall be for three years and shall commence on July 1 and shall terminate on June 30, provided, however, that of the new members appointed three shall be appointed for a term expiring one year, three for a term expiring two years, and four for a term expiring three years from July 1 following the date of appointment. Members of the present Community Mental Health Board serving on the effective date of this amendatory act shall continue to serve until the expiration of their current terms. In addition, the Board of Institutional Trustees will designate two members from among persons currently serving as members of the Board of Managers of each of the four State psychiatric hospitals to be appointed in July of each year. The Director of the Division of Mental Health Services or his designee shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Community Mental Health Citizens Advisory Board. The role of the board shall be to serve as both advocate and advisor to the department for the development of effective mental health services in the community. To fulfill this role, the board shall become and continue to be thoroughly acquainted with those programs of the Department of Human Services dealing with mental health and related social services, particularly those administered by the Office of Community Services, and shall regularly review all such programs. It shall advise and recommend on the development of policies and procedures within the general directives of the department covering these programs. The board shall promote and maintain constructive relationships with the county mental health boards, community mental health center boards and other official bodies and organized agencies concerned with mental health services. It shall also serve, where possible, in such advisory capacities to the department in the area of community mental health as are required by Federal statutes. The board shall choose one of its members to act as chairman and shall meet as often as required to conduct the business of the board and to assist and advise in the administration of the duties and responsibilities imposed by this chapter, but not less than 6 times each year. The board, acting on behalf of the State Board of Institutional Trustees and subject to the authority and direction thereof, may establish within itself committees directly concerned with State-operated facilities, State grant-in-aid programs, Federal grant-in-aid programs, planning for comprehensive mental health services and mental health manpower resources, utilization and training, and may establish such other committees as it may determine. The board may, subject to the approval of the State Board of Institutional Trustees, establish any subsidiary unsalaried advisory or consultant committees or study groups as it may deem necessary and proper and shall appoint the members thereof. "Community mental health program" shall mean a program of preventive, treatment and transitional services for mental health clients, provided in accordance with State or Federal regulations. "Department" shall mean the Department of Human Services. "Sponsoring agency" shall mean any county board of freeholders, municipal governing body, board of education or any nonprofit corporation organized for the purpose of providing health or welfare services to the community, which establishes, maintains or expands a community mental health program. L.1957,c.146,s.2; amended 1967,c.100,s.2; 1979,c.331,s.2; 1995,c.4,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-3 Establishment of service; board; members; meetings; mental health administrator

The several counties are hereby authorized to provide for community mental health services in accordance with the provisions of this act. Each county board of freeholders, in order to participate under this act, shall appoint a county mental health board of not less than 7 nor more than 12 residents of the county, to serve without compensation, representing local boards of health, school boards, the county welfare board, parent-teacher associations, county mental health associations, and the county medical associations and such other members as the county board of freeholders shall deem necessary. The county mental health board shall annually elect a chairman. The board of freeholders shall provide the mental health board with suitable quarters and such clerical assistance as may be required to carry out its functions. Such board shall meet not less than 4 times in each year and shall review progress in the development of comprehensive community mental health services in the county and make recommendations to the local agencies, the community mental health board and the Department of Institutions and Agencies. Any county mental health board may, with the approval of the board of freeholders, create the position of mental health administrator. The administrator shall be the executive officer of the board and assist in carrying out its duties under this act. The commissioner shall by regulation establish qualifications for the position of mental health administrator. If he is satisfied that the appointee is qualified and that the board of freeholders and the county mental health board have fulfilled the requirements of the act and of regulations issued pursuant thereto, he may approve reimbursement from available Federal and State funds of that portion of the salary of such administrator and of such necessary administrative expenses related to his duties as shall be allowed by regulation. L.1957, c. 146, p. 549, s. 3. Amended by L.1967, c. 100, s. 3, eff. June 12, 1967.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-4 Term of members

The term of each member of the county mental health board shall be for 3 years and shall terminate on June 30, provided, however, that of the members first appointed, 1/3 shall be appointed for a term expiring 1 year, 1/3 for a term expiring 2 years, and 1/3 for a term expiring 3 years from June 30 following the date of appointment, and provided further that the members serving on the effective date of this act shall serve until June 30 following the date on which their terms would otherwise have expired. Members may not be reappointed after serving 2 full 3-year terms, until 2 years shall have elapsed since the expiration of such terms. L.1957, c. 146, p. 550, s. 4. Amended by L.1967, c. 100, s. 4, eff. June 12, 1967.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-5 Powers and duties

Subject to the provisions of this chapter, and the regulations of the department, every county mental health board shall have the power and duty to: a. Develop a plan of community mental health services for the county; b. Annually appoint a professional mental health advisory committee of not less than 5, including professional representatives of mental health agencies receiving support under this act to provide all necessary technical advice required by the board; c. Require the professional advisory committee to meet often enough to give full and proper study to all issues confronting the mental health board relating to professional aspects of mental health projects and to make recommendations to the board; d. Review, advise and make recommendations with regard to community mental health service projects submitted for State financial participation. e. Perform such other duties as may be necessary or proper to carry out the purposes of this act. L.1957, c. 146, p. 550, s. 5. Amended by L.1967, c. 100, s. 5, eff. June 12, 1967.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-6 Community projects

a. Community mental health projects shall be submitted annually by sponsoring agencies to the county mental health board and the department in accordance with the rules and regulations of the department. b. All projects shall include an explanation of the operation proposed and a budget showing all sources of revenue, including anticipated State financial aid, and a list of personnel requirements. c. The county mental health board shall recommend the amount of State financial aid to be allocated to each such project in the county based upon an evaluation of the project, the number of people served, the scope of the services provided and such other factors as the board may deem necessary to accomplish the objectives of this act. It shall also recommend the order of priority respecting such projects or parts thereof. L.1957, c. 146, p. 550, s. 6. Amended by L.1967, c. 100, s. 6, eff. June 12, 1967.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-7 Project application

Each project application shall contain such information and be submitted in such form and at such time as may be required by regulations of the department. The county mental health board shall transmit to the department its recommendations with respect to each project which has been submitted to it. L.1957, c. 146, p. 551, s. 7. Amended by L.1967, c. 100, s. 7, eff. June 12, 1967.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-8 Approval of project

The commissioner, with due regard for the recommendations made by the community mental health board, shall approve for State financial participation community mental health projects which comply with all regulations of the department and which implement in an efficient and economic manner a community mental health program through educational, consultative, diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitative and after care services for mental health problems of children and adults in the community. The commissioner shall notify the sponsoring agency and the county mental health board of his action and certify the amount of State financial participation allowed, if any. L.1957. c. 146, p. 551, s. 8. Amended by L.1967, c. 100, s. 8, eff. June 12, 1967.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-9 Grants and expenditures

a. Reimbursement or advancement grants shall be paid to an eligible sponsoring agency from State funds in an amount not exceeding 60% of the allowable expenditures for each project and based upon the priority services to target populations approved by the commissioner. Allowable expenditures shall include expenditures other than capital expenditures, for such purposes as the commissioner shall, by regulation, determine to be necessary or required to carry out the mental health project. The total of the annual reimbursement or advancement grants from State funds for all community mental health projects, exclusive of capital expenditures, in any one county shall be the greater of $100,000.00 or an amount equal to $1.50 multiplied by the population of that county for the 1984 fiscal year of the county and, for each fiscal year thereafter, the amount shall be increased by $0.25, up to a total of $2.00. The amount for each fiscal year shall be multiplied by the population of the county for that particular fiscal year. No county or municipality shall, in any year, appropriate an amount for community mental health projects which is less than the amount appropriated in the preceding year, nor shall any sponsoring agency use any new or additional funding made available pursuant to this act in replacement of current funding levels unless approved in writing by the commissioner. To permit initiation, expansion, improvement or continuation of services, the commissioner may make payments in advance to any sponsoring agency of amounts not to exceed 25% in any one quarter of the fiscal year of the amount of an approved annual grant to the agency. b. Claims for State reimbursement or advancement to the sponsoring agency shall be made in accordance with the regulations of the department. L.1957, c. 146, p. 551, s. 9. Amended by L.1963, c. 77, s. 1; L.1967, c. 100, s. 9, eff. June 12, 1967; L.1969, c. 74, s. 1, eff. June 4, 1969; L.1973, c. 377, s. 1, eff. Jan. 14, 1974; L.1976, c. 79, s. 1, eff. Aug. 31, 1976; L.1983, c. 435, s. 1, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-9.1 Distribution of appropriated money; considerations

The Commissioner of the Department of Human Services shall, in distributing any amounts appropriated pursuant to this act, give due consideration to committing funds for establishing essential elements of service in areas lacking comprehensive community mental health centers. In giving this consideration the commissioner shall give due regard to the annual county mental health service plans required pursuant to P.L. 1957, c. 146 (C. 30:9A-1 et seq.). L.1983, c. 435, s. 2, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-9.2 Target populations; initiation or expansion of services

a. The reimbursement or advancement grants shall be used to initiate or expand services to the following target populations and such other populations as may be designated by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services: (1) Persons in State or county psychiatric institutions whose conditions do not warrant institutionalization; and (2) Adults and children in the community who have psychiatric problems and are at risk of hospitalization because of a lack of alternative community services. b. The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations clearly delineating the conditions which shall be met for an individual to be considered part of a "target population." c. In addition, the commissioner shall promulgate standards for monitoring and evaluating local mental health programs and shall cause a report, in writing, to be prepared and submitted to the Governor and the Legislature through the Standing Reference Committees on Institutions, Health and Welfare and the Office of Legislative Services on the results of the monitoring and evaluation, in a manner sufficient to indicate utilization of State funds for target populations served. The commissioner shall include in the report a funding source analysis of all projects within each county receiving reimbursement or advancement grants. The report shall be submitted within 12 months following enactment of this act and annually thereafter. L.1983, c. 435, s. 3, eff. Jan. 5, 1984.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-10 Rules and regulations

The commissioner, with due regard for the recommendations made by the community mental health board, shall make, promulgate, modify, repeal and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary adequately to effectuate the provisions of this act and the powers conferred upon him and upon the department hereunder. L.1957, c. 146, p. 552, s. 10. Amended by L.1967, c. 100, s. 10, eff. June 12, 1967.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-11 Financial grant-in-aid for capital expenditures

It is declared to be the policy of this State to encourage sponsoring agencies as described herein to establish community mental health centers by making provision for payment of a part of the cost of the capital expenditures required in connection therewith, exclusive of the cost of site acquisition, and upon approval by the commissioner of a proper application by a sponsoring agency for this purpose a financial grant-in-aid may be made not to exceed 60% of that portion of the cost of said capital expenditures to be borne by said agency. L.1967, c. 100, s. 11.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-12 Findings, declarations

The Legislature finds and declares that the incidence of suicide among adolescents has increased alarmingly and suicide presently ranks as the second leading cause of death for adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24 years; that the increase in the rate of adolescent suicide is often associated with the significant changes in life-styles, values and family relationships that are occurring in our society; that the occurrence of adolescent suicide is found among youth of all racial, social and economic backgrounds and even though suicide is underreported as a cause of death for adolescents, in 1982, 114 youth suicides were reported in New Jersey; that mental health professionals believe that many suicides can be prevented through suicide awareness education programs in the schools and crisis intervention programs for adolescents and their families in the community; and that in order to ensure that the most effective prevention and crisis intervention programs are available and developed Statewide, it is necessary to establish a youth suicide prevention program in the State Department of Human Services which will be administered by community mental health services providers in cooperation with local boards of education. L. 1985, c. 195, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1985.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-13 Youth suicide prevention program

The Commissioner of the Department of Human Services shall establish a program of youth suicide prevention projects which shall be administered by community mental health services providers in consultation with local boards of education. The objectives of the program shall include but are not limited to the following: a. Classroom instruction or materials designed to achieve the following objectives: to teach students facts about adolescent suicide and how to recognize signs of suicidal tendencies; to inform students of available community services aimed at prevention of suicide; and to increase students' awareness of the relationship between adolescent suicide and drug and alcohol use. b. Training programs for classroom teachers and other teaching staff members in suicide prevention. c. Nonclassroom school or community based programs such as a 24-hour "hotline" telephone service staffed by trained professional counselors, crisis intervention and postintervention services, parent education programs and programs for the families of suicide victims. L. 1985, c. 195, s. 2, eff. June 26, 1985.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-14 Guidelines

The Commissioner of Human Services in consultation with the Commissioner of Education shall prepare guidelines for the youth suicide prevention program. In addition to emphasizing the objectives provided in section 2 of this act, the guidelines shall foster cooperation between local boards of education and community mental health services providers. L. 1985, c. 195, s. 3, eff. June 26, 1985.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-15 Proposals

a. The commissioner shall solicit proposals for suicide prevention projects from community mental health services providers interested in participating in the program. The commissioner shall review the project proposals and approve and fund, within the limits of monies appropriated for this purpose, three proposals which best meet the objectives of the program. b. In addition to meeting the program objectives provided in section 2 of this act, a proposal shall include procedures for evaluating the project. c. The commissioner shall fund one proposal from the northern, central and southern regions of the State in order to ensure that program services are available Statewide. L. 1985, c. 195, s. 4, eff. June 26, 1985.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-16 Cooperation with school boards

The community mental health services provider shall prepare its funding proposal in cooperation with two or more local boards of education which are interested in participating in the suicide prevention program. The provider also shall agree to provide information and training within the limits of available funds to other local boards of education that are interested in providing for suicide prevention programs, upon their request. L. 1985, c. 195, s. 5, eff. June 26, 1985.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-18 Definitions relative to mental health programs

1. As used in sections 1 through 4 of this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Mental health program" means a program of mental health services which is subject to regulations adopted by the commissioner. The program may be public or private, hospital-based or non-hospital-based, incorporated or unincorporated, and for profit or nonprofit. L.1995,c.321,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-19 License required for conducting, maintaining, operating mental health program; fees.

2. a. A person shall not conduct, maintain or operate a mental health program unless: (1) the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, has issued a license to that person, in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, which prescribe standards for the provision of services by a mental health program; and (2) that person has a purchase of service contract or an affiliation agreement with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children and Families, including, but not limited to, the Division of Children's System of Care, as applicable. b. Application for a license to conduct, maintain, or operate a mental health program shall be made upon forms prescribed by the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable. The commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, shall charge such nonrefundable fees for the filing of an application for a license, and for any renewal thereof, as the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, shall from time to time fix by regulation. L.1995, c.321, s.2; amended 2003, c.117, s.37; 2006, c.47, s.172; 2012, c.16, s.124.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-20 Construction of act.

3. Nothing in this act shall be construed to: a. limit the authority of the Department of Health and Senior Services with respect to the licensure of a health care facility pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.), regardless of whether the facility operates a separate psychiatric unit or service, or limit the authority of the Department of Human Services with respect to the licensure of an alcohol treatment facility pursuant to P.L.1975, c.305 (C.26:2B-7 et seq.), or the issuance of a certificate of approval to a narcotic and drug abuse treatment center pursuant to P.L.1970, c.334 (C.26:2G-21 et seq.); b. require the licensure of any facility or center referenced in subsection a. of this section by the Department of Human Services; or c. require licensure of a mental health agency which does not provide a mental health program that is subject to regulations adopted by the commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable. L.1995, c.321, s.3; amended 2006, c.47, s.173.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-21 Rules, regulations.

4. The commissioner or the Commissioner of Children and Families, as applicable, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.1995, c.321, s.4; amended 2006, c.47, s.174.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-22 Findings, declarations relative to youth suicide.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Overall, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for all Americans and the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. b. During the period from1952 to 1995, the incidence of suicide among adolescents and young adults nearly tripled. During the period from 1980 to 1997, the rate of suicide among persons ages 15 to 19 increased by 11% and among persons ages 10 to 14 by 109%. Although suicide among young children is a rare event, the dramatic increase in the rate among persons ages 10 to 14 underscores the urgent need for intensifying efforts to prevent suicide among persons in this age group. It is also widely reported that the risk for attempted or completed suicide varies with race, religion, age and sexual identity. c. In 1996, 72 persons under the age of 25 committed suicide in New Jersey, and every month at least 127 young people in this State attempt suicide. Over 40% of the suicide attempts of minors are second or subsequent attempts. Non-fatal suicide attempts outnumber suicide death and often result in significant medical and economic costs, and in physical, emotional and psychological damage. Like suicide deaths, however, suicide attempts are generally under-reported. d. It is estimated that fewer than 25% of suicide attempts are reported. When they are reported, the reaction often makes the person less likely to seek further help. Suicide evokes complicated and uncomfortable reactions that stigmatize the survivors and increase their burden of hurt, isolation and secrecy. This secrecy also tends to diminish the accuracy and amount of information available about persons who have attempted or completed suicides, which information could help suicide prevention efforts. e. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a program in this State to: collect information about youths who attempt suicide and improve the information available to both professionals, who are in contact with youth at risk of suicide, and families at risk; identify and provide suitable intervention services to reduce the incidence of suicide; and educate youths and families at risk about the resources available for suicide prevention and intervention. L.2003,c.214,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-23 Definitions relative to youth suicide.

2. As used in this act: "Alcohol and drug counselor" means a person who is a certified alcohol and drug counselor or a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor pursuant to P.L.1997, c.331 (C.45:2D-1 et seq.). "Attempted suicide" means destructive behavior intended by the actor to result in the actor's harm or death. "Certified Domestic Violence Specialist" means a person who has fulfilled the requirements of certification as a Domestic Violence Specialist established by the New Jersey Association of Domestic Violence Professionals. "Completed suicide" means a death that is known or reasonably suspected to have resulted from an intentional act of the deceased, regardless of whether it has been ruled a suicide by a medical examiner. "Council" means the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council established pursuant to this act. "Division" means the Division of Mental Health Services in the Department of Human Services. "Teaching staff member" means a member of the professional staff of any school district, regional board of education or the board of trustees of a charter school, or any board of education of a county vocational school, who holds an office, position or employment of such character that the qualifications for the office, position or employment require the member to hold a valid and effective standard, provisional or emergency certificate, appropriate to the member's office, position or employment, issued by the State Board of Examiners. Teaching staff member includes a school nurse and a school athletic trainer. "Youth" means a person 24 years of age or younger. L.2003,c.214,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-24 Report by teacher of attempted, completed suicide by student; other reporting requirements.

3. a. Any teaching staff member, who, as a result of information obtained in the course of the person's employment, has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a student has attempted or completed suicide, shall promptly report such information to the division in a form and manner prescribed by the division. b. A nonpublic school is encouraged to require any member of its professional staff, who, as a result of information obtained in the course of the person's employment, has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a student has attempted or completed suicide, to promptly report such information to the division in a form and manner prescribed by the division. As used in this subsection, "nonpublic school" means an elementary or secondary school within the State, other than a public school, offering education in grades K-12 or any combination thereof, at which a child may legally fulfill compulsory school attendance requirements. c. Any licensed psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, physician, physician assistant, alcohol and drug counselor, or registered nurse or licensed practical nurse licensed in this State pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, who, as a result of information obtained in the course of the person's employment, has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a youth has attempted or completed suicide, shall promptly report such information to the division in a form and manner prescribed by the division. d. Any public health official, probation officer, employee of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, Certified Domestic Violence Specialist, or member of a professional group identified by the council as having a likelihood to know about suicide attempts and deaths, who, as a result of information obtained in the course of the person's employment, has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a youth has attempted or completed suicide, is encouraged to promptly report such information to the division in a form and manner prescribed by the division. e. The reporting form established by the division shall not require the reporter to identify the student or youth by name or other unique identifier, but may require that the reporter supply non-identifying demographic information about the student or youth, other attempts made by the student or youth and the response or referral made to deal with the incident. f. The reporting form shall be submitted to a designated employee of the division with responsibility for compiling data from the reports. Information contained in the reports shall not be considered a public record, but the division may aggregate the data for the purpose of preparing an annual report pursuant to section 6 of this act. g. The division shall offer to provide persons who are required or encouraged to report an attempted or completed suicide with current information about public and private assistance available to survivors and families of attempted and completed suicides and professionals who deal with suicide. h. The reporting of an attempted or completed suicide pursuant to this section shall not replace or alter any other requirement of law or professional standard or obligation that requires a person to evaluate a death or report an attempted or completed suicide. i. Any person who reports an attempted or completed suicide pursuant to this act shall have immunity from any civil or criminal liability on account of that report, unless the person has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose. j. No provision of this act shall be deemed to require the disclosure of, or penalize the failure to disclose, any information which would be privileged pursuant to the provisions of sections 18 through 23, inclusive, of P.L.1960, c.52 (C.2A:84A-18 through 2A:84A-23). L.2003,c.214,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-25 New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

4. There is established in the Department of Children and Families the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. a. The purpose of the council shall be to: examine existing needs and services and make recommendations to the division for youth suicide reporting, prevention and intervention; advise the division on the content of informational materials to be made available to persons who report attempted or completed suicides; and advise the division in the development of regulations required pursuant to this act. b. The council shall consist of 18 members as follows: (1) the Commissioners of Human Services, Children and Families, Health and Senior Services, and Education, the executive director of the Youth Justice Commission established pursuant to P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-169 et seq.) and the chairman of the Community Mental Health Citizens Advisory Board established pursuant to P.L.1957, c.146 (C.30:9A-1 et seq.), or their designees, who shall serve ex officio; (2) six public members appointed by the Governor, as follows: one person who is a current member of a county mental health advisory board, one person with personal or family experience with suicide, one person who is a current or retired primary or secondary school teacher, one person who is a current or former member of a local board of education, one psychiatrist and one person with professional experience in the collection and reporting of social science data; (3) three public members appointed by the President of the Senate, no more than two of whom are members of the same political party, one of whom has volunteer or paid experience in the provision of services to survivors of suicide or youth at risk of attempting suicide, one of whom is an alcohol and drug counselor, and one of whom is a representative of the New Jersey Traumatic Loss Coalition; and (4) three public members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, no more than two of whom are members of the same political party, one of whom has knowledge of and interest in the prevention of youth suicide and the provision of education about suicide to high-risk populations, including religious, racial, ethnic or sexual minorities, one of whom is a pediatrician, and one of whom is a school-based counselor. c. The public members shall be appointed no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this act. d. The public members shall serve for a term of five years; but, of the members first appointed, three shall serve for a term of two years, three for a term of three years, three for a term of four years and three for a term of five years. Members are eligible for reappointment upon the expiration of their terms. Vacancies in the membership of the council shall be filled in the same manner provided for the original appointments. e. The council shall organize as soon as practicable following the appointment of its members and shall select a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among the members. The chairperson shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the council. f. The public members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties and within the limits of funds available to the council. g. The council shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. h. The Department of Children and Families shall provide staff support to the council. L.2003, c.214, s.4; amended 2006, c.47, s.175; 2025, c.35, s.54.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-26 Public awareness campaign on youth suicide prevention and intervention.

5. The Commissioner of Human Services shall develop and publicize, in consultation with the council, a public awareness campaign on youth suicide prevention and intervention, the goals of which shall be to: a. increase voluntary reporting of youth suicides and attempts at suicide by professionals who are likely to know of suicides and attempts in the course of their employment; b. increase referrals by these professionals to therapeutic services available to youths who contemplate or attempt suicide; c. increase public awareness of the incidence and causes of youth suicide attempts and decrease the stigma currently associated with depression and suicide; and d. encourage the use by families of short-term and long-term public and private mental health services, as well as other services, to reduce the incidence of attempted and completed suicides by youths. L.2003,c.214,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-27 Compilation of data, annual report.

6. a. The division shall compile data about reported attempted and completed suicides by youths in the State, without identifying any individuals involved. b. The Commissioner of Human Services shall issue a report annually to the council, the Governor and the Legislature containing a summary of the data compiled by the division that includes aggregate demographic information about youths who attempt or complete suicide. The report shall include any recommendations for legislation or regulatory changes that would aid in the collection of more accurate data or the provision of more effective suicide prevention and intervention. c. The commissioner shall provide specific findings about youth suicides and attempts to the council, as soon as possible, to assist the council in fulfilling its responsibility under this act to make recommendations about youth suicide prevention and intervention. L.2003,c.214,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-28 Regulations.

7. The Commissioner of Human Services, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt regulations to carry out the purposes of this act. L.2003,c.214,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-29 Statewide youth suicide prevention plan; development, adoption.

1. a. The Commissioner of Children and Families, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2003, c.214 (C.30:9A-25), shall develop and adopt a Statewide youth suicide prevention plan no later than 180 days after the effective date of this act. b. The plan shall address, but not be limited to, the: (1) identification of existing State and local sources of data concerning youth suicide deaths, youth suicide attempts, and self-inflicted injuries by youth; (2) coordination and sharing of such data among identified State and local sources; (3) promotion of greater public awareness about youth suicide prevention services and resources; (4) identification of barriers to accessing mental health and substance use disorder services, and opportunities to enhance access; and (5) promotion of evidenced-based and best practice programs, listed on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center's Best Practices Registry, for the prevention and treatment of youth suicide and self-injury. L.2011, c.166, s.1; amended 2023, c.177, s.113.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-30 Preparation of report.

2. The Commissioners of Human Services and Children and Families, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, shall prepare a report reviewing the effectiveness and sufficiency of services provided by the New Jersey-based suicide prevention hotlines. The report prepared pursuant to this section shall be transmitted to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), no later than 12 months after the effective date of this act. L.2011, c.166, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-31 Review of grant application procedures; applications.

3. a. The Commissioner of Children and Families shall review the Department of Children and Families grant application procedures to ensure that grant applications submitted by the department for youth suicide prevention initiatives are completed accurately and in a timely manner. b. The commissioner shall give thorough consideration to and, where appropriate, apply for any grants from the federal government, and contributions and donations from other public or private sources as may be used for the purposes of this act. L.2011, c.166, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-32 Report to Governor, Legislature.

4. The commissioner, within 18 months after the effective date of this act, shall report to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), on the implementation of the provisions of this act, and shall include the youth suicide prevention plan developed pursuant to this act, and the commissioner's findings and actions taken to implement the provisions of section 3 of this act. L.2011, c.166, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-33 Rules, regulations.

5. The commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.2011, c.166, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-33.1 Follow-up communication to minors.

1. The Legislature finds and declares: a. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults in New Jersey, and the State faces a growing youth mental health crisis that has been further exacerbated by social, academic, and public health stressors. b. The New Jersey Suicide Hopeline, operated in partnership with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care and the State Department of Human Services, provides immediate, compassionate, and confidential support to youth in crisis and plays a critical role in preventing suicide across the State. c. Current law allows minors aged 16 years and older to consent to certain behavioral health and substance use disorder services, but does not expressly permit follow-up communication from a suicide prevention hotline, even when the minor has been identified as high risk following an initial call for help. d. Allowing a follow-up call, text, or chat message from a trained operator, with the minor’s voluntary consent and without requiring parental authorization, is a narrowly tailored response that ensures access to continued support during moments of acute vulnerability. e. A follow-up call, text, or chat message conducted pursuant to P.L.2025, c.238 (C.30:9A-33.1 et al.) shall be understood as brief, supportive communication solely for suicide prevention purposes and is not intended to constitute behavioral health treatment, diagnosis, or clinical care. L.2025, c.238, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-33.2 Follow-up communication to minors without parental consent, authorization.

3. An operator of a mental health and suicide crisis resources center, as determined by the Commissioner of Human Services, or a 9-8-8 crisis hotline center who receives and responds to a telephone call or other communication from a minor who is 16 years of age or older for counseling and support and whom the operator identifies as being at a high risk of death by suicide shall be permitted to place follow-up calls, texts, or chat messages to the minor, as appropriate, without the necessity of obtaining parental consent or authorization pursuant to subsection b. of section 1 of P.L.1968, c.238 (C.9:17A-4). A follow-up call, text, or chat message authorized pursuant to this section shall not constitute behavioral health treatment, diagnosis, or clinical care. The call, text, or chat message shall be considered brief supportive communication solely for suicide prevention purposes. L.2025, c.238, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-34 Grant to study mental health care resources for children.

1. a. The Department of Children and Families shall distribute a grant in the amount of $1,000,000 to the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute to assemble a group of stakeholders to: (1) create a comprehensive visual journey map that outlines families' experiences in obtaining mental health care and related support services for their children; (2) identify the eligibility rules for various pediatric mental health care programs and resources available to children in this State, steps and barriers to accessing these programs and services, and how these programs and services may connect, disconnect, or compete; and (3) provide concrete policy suggestions to improve the structure, funding, mission, and interconnectedness of pediatric mental health care programs ensuring that programs are family- and child-focused. b. The group of stakeholders shall consist of: representatives with subject matter expertise in pediatric mental health care services; pediatric mental health care providers; and mental health care program administrators from counties representing the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey. c. The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute shall: (1) evaluate the current landscape of pediatric mental health care services across: schools; counties; State agencies including, but not limited to, the Departments of Children and Families, Education, Human Services, and Health; insurers; and the legal system; (2) identify the eligibility rules, covered services, and funding structures for pediatric mental health care programs available to children in this State; (3) conduct qualitative research through interviews and focus groups with families, health care providers, and program administrators across three counties representing the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey; (4) review the applicable laws, regulations, and contract terms governing pediatric mental health care services in the State; (5) highlight barriers to care and analyze payment structures, reimbursement rates, and cost-sharing provisions to identify financial barriers to access to pediatric mental health care services; (6) compile and analyze data on pediatric mental health outcomes, stratified by payer type, race, ethnicity, and other relevant characteristics that can identify disparities in access to pediatric mental health care services and pediatric mental health outcomes across different populations; (7) no later than 13 months after the date of enactment of this act, prepare and submit to the Department of Children and Families a document that visually maps the steps a child and family are required to take in order to access mental health care services, covering the initial contact with a mental health care provider to the provision of mental health care and noting all the interactions, required steps, and encountered barriers related to receiving mental health care; and (8) no later than 13 months after the date of enactment of this act, prepare and submit to the Department of Children and Families a document that: summarizes eligibility criteria, coverage details, and payment policies for pediatric mental health care programs available to children in the State; identifies any key issues related to pediatric mental health care and any disparities in mental health outcomes in the State; and includes the advisory group's policy recommendations to improve pediatric mental health care program structures, efficiency, coverage, funding, and interconnectedness. L.2024, c.100, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 30:9A-35 Documents prepared relating to mental health care resources for children, submit to Governor, Legislature, made available on website, Department of Children and Families.

2. a. No later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this act, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall submit to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature the documents prepared pursuant to paragraphs (7) and (8) of subsection c. of section 1 of this act. b. The commissioner shall make the documents required pursuant to paragraphs (7) and (8) of subsection c. of section 1 of this act available to the public on the Department of Children and Families' Internet website. L.2024, c.100, s.2.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026