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TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) that would create an Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC) program in the State of New Jersey, bringing much-needed mental health assistance to a portion of the population that often gets overlooked. With the Assembly also approving the bill today, it now heads to the Governor for his signature.

“Our goal is to minimize time in the hospital and keep patients in the least restrictive environment that will help foster their recovery. Without the option of outpatient commitment, those that go untreated are likely to pose a serious danger to themselves or others,” added Sen. Codey. “At the very least, they will be utilizing other state resources such as the hospital or jail, which end up costing taxpayers far more money. With our mental health infrastructure ranking fourth in the nation, it makes far more sense to try and get patients the treatment they need in an outpatient setting.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) that would create an Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC) program in the State of New Jersey was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.

“This bill will create an entirely new mechanism to get much-needed help to the portion of our population that often gets overlooked,” said Codey. “Our goal is to minimize time in the hospital and keep patients in the least restrictive environment that will help foster their recovery.”