N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:24-2.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 10A:24-2.5 - Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program

(a) The SUD treatment program is a treatment program within a correctional facility in which clinical staff shall administer the TCU, clinical screening, and full SUD assessment, to SUD treatment program inmates for level of care determination, evaluation, and treatment planning purposes.

(b) The licensed SUD treatment program employed by the Department includes curricula and a treatment approach that facilitates overall lifestyle changes to remain drug-free while taking responsibility for ongoing recovery. Alternative support is offered through education and encouragement regarding the self-help group programs of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous and the 12-step approach. In addition, peer support, proactive, smart recovery treatment alternatives are used in some instances as alternatives to the 12-step approach. The program also uses other best practice substance use disorder treatment options that approach SUDs holistically. It weighs risks, needs, responsivity, trauma-informed care, and cognitive behavioral therapy directed at criminal and addictive behaviors.

(c) The criteria for initial referral and/or assignment to a SUD treatment program requires inmates to:

1. Have a screening score of one or above, or a clinical determination that SUD treatment is needed;

2. Be currently classified as medium custody status pursuant to N.J.A.C. 10A:9-4, Eligibility criteria for reduced custody consideration.

(d) Discharge from a SUD treatment program for behavioral maladjustment or refusal to participate:

1. Shall result in removal from the program; and

2. May affect consideration for any custody status lower than medium custody.

(e) Inmates discharged from a SUD treatment program due to behavioral maladjustment or a refusal to participate shall be permitted to apply for program reconsideration after a minimum of 90 calendar days have elapsed from the date of discharge.

(f) Inmates discharged from a SUD treatment program due to behavioral maladjustment or a refusal to participate shall sign a form that informs inmates that such discharge may affect consideration for any custody status lower than medium custody, and that application for program reconsideration is permitted after a minimum of 90 calendar days have elapsed from the date of discharge. The name, title, and signature of the contact treatment program staff member shall be entered on the form. In the event that an inmate refuses to sign the form, the staff member shall sign a statement indicating the inmate's refusal to sign. The form shall be maintained in the inmate's classification file and a copy provided to the Office of Substance Abuse Programming and Addictions Services and the inmate.

(g) An inmate may be reassigned to a SUD treatment program at any point during their incarceration.

(h) The Institutional Classification Committee (I.C.C.) shall not be compelled by T.C. program eligibility criteria to approve every inmate who is eligible for consideration. Eligible inmates may be denied assignment to a T.C. program due to, but not limited to, the following reasons:

1. A concurrent psychiatric condition which renders the inmate not amendable to substance use disorder treatment in a T.C. program; or

2. Any circumstance which renders the T.C. program treatment inappropriate.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:24-2.5

Amended by 47 N.J.R. 486(a), effective 2/17/2015

Amended by 54 N.J.R. 1082(c), effective 6/6/2022