Assembly approves Space bill allowing hospitals to add inpatient beds

for substance abuse/mental health disorders

TRENTON, N.J. –Legislation (S2844/A4425) sponsored by Assemblyman Parker Space allowing health care facilities to develop inpatient beds for patients who require treatment for both substance abuse and psychiatric disorders today received General Assembly approval.

“People with dual addiction and mental health disorders should have immediate access to the inpatient treatment they need. Right now burdensome regulations are making that difficult,” said Space (R-Sussex). “With the opioid epidemic exploding all over the state, government needs to get out of the way and allow hospitals to expand treatment capacity without making them navigate through bureaucratic red tape.”

Space’s bill eliminates the requirement that a health care facility obtain a certificate of need from the state to add inpatient treatment beds for patients with both a psychiatric and substance use disorder. Hospitals can add beds for substance abuse disorders without a certificate of need, but permission from the state Health Department is required for psychiatric or dual treatment beds.