New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a bill that permits mental and behavioral healthcare providers to operate within emergency shelters that serve people experiencing homelessness.
Under bill A-4755, psychologists, licensed psychiatrists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, substance use disorder treatment providers, and other providers are authorized to provide care for individuals in these settings in emergency circumstances and on a part-time or full-time basis, according to a May 15 news release.
These behavioral healthcare services are not mandatory, but if they are offered, they must be available to any resident in the shelter in need of services. The services will also be required to be provided at a private location within the shelter.