S2493

TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that would require employee drug testing at state psychiatric hospitals, developmental centers and veterans’ memorial homes. The bill, S2493, is part of a three-bill package designed to protect patient safety, strengthen hiring and training practices and increase oversight at state psychiatric hospitals and other facilities.

“These hospitals are home to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “We need to ensure that they are in the care of staff that are appropriately trained and focused on their best interests. This bill is part of a broader approach that will help transform the way we care for the mentally ill and address a number of patient safety issues that have arisen at state-run facilities.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that would require employee drug testing at state psychiatric hospitals, developmental centers and veterans’ memorial homes was approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. The bill, S2493, is part of a three-bill package designed to protect patient safety, strengthen hiring and training practices and increase oversight at state psychiatric hospitals.

“These hospitals are home to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “We need to ensure that they are in the care of staff that are appropriately trained and focused on their best interests. This bill is part of a broader approach that will help transform the way we care for the mentally ill and address a number of patient safety issues that have arisen at state-run facilities.”