BUCCO CALLS FOR IMPROVED CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

March 21, 2024

In a letter to the Commissioners of the Departments of Health and Human Services, Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) called on the departments to address two critical issues impacting individuals with mental illness:

1.) the increase in involuntary psychiatric holds in emergency rooms and the resulting delays in accessing appropriate care.

2.) the need for the development of more community mental health residences, specifically Licensed Community Residences for Adults with Mental Illness.

Read the full letter below.

Click here to view a copy of the letter to Commissioner Adelman.

Click here to view a copy of the letter to Acting Commissioner Baston.

Dear Commissioner,

I am writing to bring to your attention two critical issues impacting individuals with mental illness in Morris County and across New Jersey that require urgent attention and action from the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.

The first issue concerns the increase in involuntary psychiatric holds in emergency rooms and the resulting delays in accessing appropriate care. The recent extension of the hold period from 72 hours to 144 hours, under the provisions of P.L.2023, c.139, has led to a concerning trend of individuals experiencing extended stays in emergency rooms, particularly in Morris County. This poses risks to the well-being and dignity of these individuals, strains hospital resources, and hampers timely and effective care delivery.

Steps must be taken to reduce the unnecessary prolongation of stays in emergency rooms for individuals with mental illness. The Department of Human Services should thoroughly analyze the current system and make the necessary changes and investments to ensure that individuals no longer languish in emergency rooms beyond what is medically necessary. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure that individuals receive appropriate care in the least restrictive environment possible.

The second issue pertains to the need for the development of more community mental health residences, specifically Licensed Community Residences for Adults with Mental Illness. There has been a halt in the development of such residences, leading to a gap in services for individuals exiting State Psychiatric Hospitals and those experiencing relapses in the community. Not all individuals with serious mental illness can thrive in independent settings, and some require 24-hour supervision in a group home environment.

Therefore, I urge the Departments of Health and Human Services to prioritize the development of additional Licensed Community Residences for Adults with Mental Illness to meet the growing demand for supervised care in the community. Individuals with serious mental illness must have access to appropriate and supportive living arrangements that cater to their unique needs and promote their recovery and well-being.

I trust that both departments will take these concerns seriously and work towards implementing practical solutions to address these pressing issues. The well-being and rights of individuals with mental illness must be safeguarded, and they must have access to timely and appropriate care in settings that promote their recovery and overall wellness.

Thank you for taking the time to investigate these matters. I look forward to seeing positive changes and improvements in the mental health care system in New Jersey.

Sincerely,

Senator Bucco