LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ESTIMATE TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 1542

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: DECEMBER 13, 1996

      Bill Summary:

      Senate Bill No. 1542 (1R) of 1996 requires the reporting of patient abuse and professional misconduct by employees of State psychiatric hospitals and establishes a reporting and investigation program in the Department of Human Services. Any person failing to report suspected patient abuse or professional misconduct after completing training in recognizing probable incidents of or behavior that constitutes patient abuse or professional misconduct, would be liable to a penalty of up to $5,000.

      Agency Comments:

      The Department of Human Services and the Office of Management and Budget have not provided any fiscal information on the legislation.

      Office of Legislative Services Comments:

      No new significant costs are expected to be incurred as a result of the legislation.

      This legislative fiscal estimate has been produced by the Office of Legislative Services due to the failure of the Executive Branch to respond to our request for a fiscal note.

This fiscal estimate has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67.