Official Site of The State of New Jersey
The Office of Performance Management (OPM) ensures accountability in how provider agencies respond to critical incidents. Through the work of the Critical Incident Management Unit (CIMU), Investigative Resource Unit (IRU), and Incident Verification Unit (IVU), OPM supports consistent reporting, investigation, and oversight processes across all DHS-funded, licensed, or regulated services.
What incidents must be reported?
All reportable allegations and events affecting health, safety, or well-being, including:
- Abuse, neglect, exploitation
- Moderate or major physical injuries
- Missing persons
- Unexpected hospitalizations or deaths
A detailed list of allegations and events is outlined on the Incident Reporting Levels and Categories Grid.
When must I report?
- A-Level incidents: Report by end of business day
- B-Level incidents: Report within one business day
Timely reporting is required under Administrative Order 2:05.
What is CIMU’s role?
CIMU:
- Reviews all assigned investigation reports
- Ensures quality, accuracy, and completeness
- Communicates findings and closes incidents on behalf of DHS
Provider agencies have 30 business days to submit completed investigations.
CIMU evaluates:
- Whether the evidence supports substantiating the incident (based on preponderance of evidence)
- The completeness and clarity of the report
- Notifications, findings, and corrective actions
Incomplete or overdue reports may result in a Failure to Comply (FTC) letter and impact licensing.
CIMU often requests:
- Body check diagrams
- Medical records (ER/Urgent care)
- Photos of injuries
- Witness statements
- Staff schedules
- Action plans (immediate, corrective, preventative)
A full checklist is available here.
- CIMU will send an FTC letter
- Delays may be reflected in the DHS Licensed Provider Report Card
- Repeated delays could impact licensing or result in enforcement
Investigative Resource Unit (IRU)
- Offers technical assistance
- Ensures consistency and compliance with A.O. 2:05
- Provides consultation on investigative procedures and report content
- Contacts your CIMU manager for access to IVU resources
Under Stephen Komninos’ Law, IVU staff must:
- Visit in person within 48 hours of serious reported incidents
- Meet with the alleged victim (AV)
- Verify the injury and confirm safety measures
- Notify the provider of any changes to the injury level
Photographs may be taken with consent.
- Ensure the AV is present and not scheduled for appointments
- Provide immediate access to any documentation, such as:
- ER records
- Incident report
- Internal body check logs, or photos and video
If injury severity is found to differ from the report, IVU will update the record. This may trigger adjustments in how the incident is managed or routed.
Submit DMHAS incidents to:
- dmhas.incidentrept@dhs.nj.gov
- Phone: (609) 341-2324
- Substance Use Complaints: 1-877-712-1868
- Mental Health Complaints: 1-800-382-6717
Provider agencies must notify guardians of:
- The occurrence of an incident
- Findings after investigation
- Corrective/preventative actions taken
- Once CIMU completes its review, agencies are notified of closure
- Agencies must issue Findings Letters to guardians summarizing:
- What happened
- Whether it was substantiated
- What actions were taken
