Vol. 1 Issue 1

• patients at a state or county psychiatric hospital is liable for all costs associated with their hospitalization and will have a lien filed against them for unpaid expenses.
• 2,700 of the 3,700 patients not covered by insurance admitted yearly to NJ state and county psychiatric hospitals can expect a bill of $12,300 per month of stay.
• Over the last two years, NAMI-NJ, has worked to create Assembly 303/Senate 202 to change the lien law in NJ. MHANJ supported this but believed that it did not go far enough to help consumers.
• In December 2001, a consumer, along with MHANJ staff, presented our position before the Assembly Senior Committee and the bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora. The committee agreed that the bill should be amended in favor of MHANJ’s concerns. Upon completion of the proposed amendments Assemblyman Gusciora will meet the MHANJ and supporters to discuss proposed changes.
• When this bill is again up, we will ask you to contact committee members or your legislators and urge their support of A 303.

In the Meantime

• If you have had a lien filed against you and are willing to share your story in an effort to help us repeal these laws, we invite you to help yourself and all consumers. What you tell us will be completely confidential. No names will be used. The more evidence we have of the detrimental effects liens have, the stronger the case we make for their repeal. If you are willing to share your story, please contact Cathy Chin at the MHANJ.
• You may be able to compromise your lien/debt. Contact the Patients’ Account Office at the facility where you received services to discuss payment/compromise options.

Assembly 488 – Background Checks for Juveniles Seeking to Work with Vulnerable Populations

• Presently, by law a child’s criminal record is sealed so that if they seek to become employed or volunteer, no potential employer or agency has access to that information. Committee amendments to Assembly 488 would have changed all that, enabling a potential employer or volunteer agency to receive information about any crime or attempted crime by a child who is seeking employment or volunteer work with children, the elderly, or the developmentally disabled.

Though MHANJ agrees in concept with this legislation, we believe it has become too far-reaching regarding the disclosure of a juvenile’s past behavior. Implementation of Assembly 488 as it had been amended would have:

• Left it up to the potential employer or volunteer agency as to whether to conduct a background check.
• Made information on any crime or attempted crime by a child available to potential employers or volunteer agencies working with vulnerable populations.

Our position was made known to Assemblyman Christopher Bateman, the bill’s sponsor, who agreed to withdraw the committee amendments and filed the original version of the bill which provided a more balanced approach. Assemblyman Bateman has agreed to meet with MHANJ staff to discuss our concerns regarding how to ensure that only the designated serious crimes be disclosed.

MHANJ supported the following legislation that has been signed into law:

• Assembly 2592 and Senate 1138: The “Neighborhood Revitalization State Tax Credit Act”
• Assembly 1914 and Senate 1440: Incorporates balanced and restorative justice principles in the juvenile justice system
• Assembly 3323: Designates annual “School Violence Awareness Week” and prescribes certain activities
• Assembly 1223: Requires State Health Benefits Program managed care plans to give 90 days notice to enrollees if their primary care physician is terminated from the plan

Our Thanks to Senator Richard Codey

In outlining his plans while governor for 84 hours (New York Times, New Jersey to Have Four Chief Executives Over Eight Jumbled Days, January 7, 2002), Senator James T. Codey stated that he “would begin Saturday morning by having breakfast with patients at a state psychiatric institution” for “that is where my heart is.” The Senator admitted that “when cuts come they are the most vulnerable.”

We deeply appreciate the continued advocacy and indefatigable efforts the Senator has made, and continues to make, on behalf of people with mental illness.

It’s good to have such a friend in Trenton.

Our Thanks to Assemblyman Christopher Bateman

Thank you to Assemblyman Christopher Bateman for listening and responding to the concerns that consumers and the MHANJ had about Assembly Bill 488.

Consumer Advocate of the Month

Virginia Nelson testified before the Assembly Senior Committee on the effects the institutionalized lien laws have had on her life in recovery. Her story was so compelling the legislators were moved to take action on her and all consumers’ behalf. In addition she has worked tirelessly on the lien subcommittee, writing letters in support of Redirection II and getting other consumers mobilized behind increasing community supports and services for consumers. We at the MHANJ thank “Gi Gi” for her courage, humor, spirit and devotion to the cause of promoting mental health.
 

Join MHANJ’s Legislative Network! Contact
C. Chin at 973.571.4100 Ex. 37  or cchin@mhanj.org