FY2026 Annual Report

22 75 th Anniversary T he PACT Practice Group continues to meet with DMHAS staff about updating regulations, to which the state representatives have been receptive. NJAMHAA had worked intensively over several years with the members of the PACT Practice Group to formulate the recommended changes so the outdated regulations would align with current practices in service delivery and today’s external environment. This group met only once during FY2026 and has transitioned to an ad hoc basis, with meetings to be scheduled if and when systemic issues arise that need to be discussed and next steps determined, and where NJAMHAA can be of assistance with those efforts. I n addition to sharing insights on how cross-cutting issues affect residential treatment programs in specific ways, the Residential Providers Practice Group took the initiative to work with the state on improving hospital discharge planning and communication with residential service providers to help ensure the smoothest possible transitions between the two levels of care and maximize individuals’ potential for success in residential programs and in the community. The group dedicated its January 8th meeting to preparing for a discussion with representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). The practice group members identified the goals of addressing inappropriate and premature discharges from state and community hospitals; ensuring appropriate referrals to all levels of care; and improving coordination, communication and shared accountability. The first meeting with state representatives took place on CHAIR: Amy Harpster, MA Director, Community Support Services and PACT, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, Inc. “ As a provider of Opioid Overdose Recovery Program services for Mercer County, I need to understand the challenges faced by hospitals, residential treatment providers and local medication-assisted treatment prescribers when serving opioid use disorder patients in the era of fentanyl, xylazine and other synthetic opioids and adulterants. The Addictions and Residential Provider Practice Groups definitely address those challenges and help us make better referrals for clients who may be challenged by insurance issues and medical and mental health complications. The Hospital Community Integration Council also addresses important issues, such as partnering with local service providers and eliminating gaps between hospital- and community- based treatment providers. Participating in these groups has definitely helped me provide better input into other efforts. ” Dave DeCamp Director of Recovery Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Programs for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Practice Group Residential Providers Practice Group