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Bill

A 6051

Relates to assaults on medical providers and employees and volunteers of hospitals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John McDonald and 1 co-sponsor

Creates the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services to help people access treatment, ensure proper care, educate the public, and report annually.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 6051

Summary: New Jersey Assembly Bill A 6051 (Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services)

Status and Context
- Introduced: November 17, 2025
- Current status: Referred to Codes (association with Assembly Codes; related action includes prior referrals to other committees in earlier stages)
- Sponsors: Ellen J. Park (primary), Carrie Woerner (primary), John T. McDonald III (cosponsor)
- Related bills: Companion S 1283; S 2080 (companions); A 10452 (prior-session)

Overview and Purpose
A 6051 would establish the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMMHAS). Although allocated within the Department of the Treasury, the office would operate independent of Treasury supervision or control. The core purpose is to support individuals with mental illness and addiction, ensuring access to treatment, appropriate care, education, and information about available services.

Key Provisions
- Establishment and independence
- Creates the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services, allocated within the Treasury but independent from supervision by the Treasury or other departments.
- Appointed by the Governor, the Ombudsman must possess training, experience, integrity, objectivity, and skills in communication, conflict resolution, and professionalism.
- The Ombudsman will organize and direct office operations, including staff as needed.

  • Duties and authority of the Ombudsman

    • Help individuals with mental illness and addiction find effective treatment facilities and programs (including substance use disorder recovery services, health care, mental health services, and medication-assisted treatment).
    • Ensure that patients and residents in mental health facilities/programs receive proper care and treatment.
    • Provide educational programs, confidential drug counseling, and vocational guidance/job placement.
    • Educate the public about harms associated with substance use disorders and their impact on individuals, families, and society.
    • Create public information programs to explain the Ombudsman’s duties and available resources.

  • Confidentiality

    • Communications received in the course of duties, including personally identifiable information, are confidential and not to be disclosed unless necessary for performing duties or with consent, and in accordance with applicable state or federal law.

  • Reporting requirements

    • The Ombudsman must annually file a written report with the Commissioner of Human Services, the Governor, and the Legislature.
    • The report should summarize services provided and include specific recommendations concerning the State’s provision of services and support to those with mental illness and addiction.

  • Effective date

    • The act states that it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact and Ramifications
- Beneficiaries: Individuals with mental illness and addiction, as well as patients and residents in mental health facilities.
- Government and service delivery: Creates a dedicated oversight and support office to assist in navigating treatment options, ensure quality of care, and publicly communicate resources.
- Privacy protections: Strong confidentiality framework for information collected in the course of ombudsman duties.
- Oversight and accountability: Annual reporting to key executive and legislative branches to inform policy and program improvements.

Notes
- The bill’s stated title in the prompt references assaults on medical providers, but the introduced text and provisions focus on establishing the Ombudsman office for mental health and addiction services. The formal legislative actions listed reflect стандарт referrals to Codes and related committee work.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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