Requires health care facilities to screen health care workers and first responders for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder related to COVID-19 pandemic.

This bill (A 3793) requires New Jersey health care facilities to screen health care workers and first responders - those who provided pandemic response or essential services during the COVID-19 crisis - for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the pandemic when they seek inpatient or outpatient care. Facilities must avoid redundant screenings across the state, respect an individual’s right to refuse screening, and offer referrals to treatment resources and links to mental health information if symptoms are identified. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services must develop a screening tool and publish resource links on its website, which facilities must share with affected workers and link to via the Department of Health’s website. The law aims to ensure timely access to mental health support for pandemic responders through standardized, non-intrusive screening and resource coordination.