Proposed NJ law would extend longer involuntary holds for psychiatric patients

Hospitals could continue holding psychiatric patients against their will for up to six days under a measure advanced by a Senate panel Thursday.

By: Lilo H. Stainton

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: June 12, 2026

Words: 792

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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Hospitals in New Jersey could continue to hold emotionally unstable patients against their will for up to six days under a bill advancing in the Statehouse, a move even supporters called imperfect but necessary given the lack of appropriate inpatient options for people in a psychiatric crisis.

The state used to limit involuntary civil commitments to 72 hours, but approved doubling it to six days by law three years ago. The Senate’s health …

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