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Bill

Bill

A 2648

Requires involuntary commitment of certain individuals who have been administered opioid antidotes.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Chris DePhillips

The bill allows involuntary commitment for adults after opioid overdose treatment if they are deemed dangerous to self, expanding the criteria beyond suicide risk.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2648

Summary of Bill A-2648 (NJ, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

Bill A-2648 proposes to expand involuntary commitment to treatment for adults with mental illness who have been administered an opioid antidote (naloxone or FDA-approved equivalents) during emergency treatment for an apparent opioid overdose. The core aim is to ensure individuals who have recently received an opioid antidote are assessed for danger to self, others, or property and, if appropriate, may be involuntarily committed to treatment in a manner consistent with New Jersey’s existing involuntary commitment framework.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition expansion: “Dangerous to self.” The bill adds explicit language stating that an individual who has recently been administered an opioid antidote is to be considered “dangerous to self.” This modifies the existing standard, which centers on risk of suicide, self-harm, or imminent inability to meet basic needs.
  • Opioid antidote defined. The bill defines “opioid antidote” as naloxone hydrochloride or any other FDA-approved similarly acting drug for opioid overdose treatment.
  • Scope of commitment framework retained. The bill preserves the current statutory framework for involuntary commitment, including the roles and definitions related to screening services, clinical certificates, treatment teams, and related facilities (short-term care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, special psychiatric hospitals, etc.).
  • Clinical and procedural terminology. The bill updates various definitions (e.g., clinical certificate, screening service, treatment team) to align with and implement the involuntary commitment process under the amended standard for danger to self.

Who or what would be affected

  • Individuals who have been administered opioid antidotes: Adults experiencing an apparent opioid overdose who subsequently receive naloxone or an FDA-approved antidote could be evaluated for involuntary commitment if they are deemed dangerous to self, pursuant to the revised definition.
  • Screening services and clinicians: Psychiatrists, physicians, screeners, and treatment teams would apply the new danger-to-self standard when determining whether involuntary commitment to treatment is appropriate.
  • Facilities and systems: Short-term care facilities, psychiatric facilities, and related agencies would operate under the updated criteria for involuntary commitment, including the required documentation (clinical certificates) and adherence to least restrictive environment principles.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act is stated to take effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Process alignment: The changes integrate with the existing involuntary commitment process (screening, evaluation, clinical certification, and court oversight) rather than creating an entirely separate pathway.

Overall impact

If enacted, A-2648 would broaden the pool of cases that can be subject to involuntary commitment by explicitly considering those who have recently been treated with an opioid antidote as being at risk (dangerous to self). This aims to increase protective interventions for individuals after overdose events while maintaining the statutory framework designed to safeguard civil liberties and ensure due process in commitment decisions.

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

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