ASSEMBLY COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 400

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: DECEMBER 16, 1996

      The Assembly Community Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 400 with committee amendments.

      As amended, this bill requires all positive toxicology test results on newborn infants to be reported to the Division of Youth and Family Services in the Department of Human Services.

      The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, shall prescribe the specific toxicology tests to be performed and shall establish regulations to assure that the positive test results are promptly transmitted to the division. The Commissioner of Human Services shall establish procedures within the Division of Youth and Family Services to provide supportive services, including drug rehabilitation, to a newborn infant and his family when the newborn infant has a positive toxicology test result.

      The amendments require that the supportive services provided by the Division of Youth and Family Services include drug rehabilitation.             This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 1996-1997 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.