New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1206

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Requires testing for infectious disease for certain persons who have been administered opioid antidote by first responder.

Impact

The implications of A1206 are significant for public health and safety. By enabling first responders to request testing, it addresses their legitimate concerns regarding potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis, while ensuring that the patient's privacy and rights are also respected. The legislation emphasizes a balance between necessary public health measures and individual privacy concerns by limiting the dissemination of test results to protect personal medical confidentiality.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1206 intends to enhance the safety of first responders administering opioid antidotes in emergencies by providing a framework for the court-ordered testing of individuals who may expose them to infectious diseases through bodily fluids. The bill supplements the existing 'Overdose Prevention Act' and outlines protocols that a professional or emergency responder must follow if they suspect that they have been exposed to such fluids after administering an opioid antidote. If the responder has had contact with such fluids, they must notify the local public health officer, who is then responsible for seeking testing consent from the patient within a specified timeframe.

Contention

Notably, the bill raises questions about the ethical considerations surrounding forced medical testing versus individual rights to privacy. Some legislators or advocates may argue that the requirement for court-ordered testing could infringe upon an individual's autonomy and the principle of voluntary consent for medical procedures. Additionally, there are concerns regarding how effectively this bill might be implemented in practice and whether it demonstrates an appropriate response to the public health crisis surrounding opioid overdoses.

Companion Bills

NJ S2612

Same As Requires testing for infectious disease for certain persons who have been administered opioid antidote by first responder.

Previously Filed As

NJ A486

Requires testing for infectious disease for certain persons who have been administered opioid antidote by first responder.

NJ S2612

Requires testing for infectious disease for certain persons who have been administered opioid antidote by first responder.

NJ A1140

Requires involuntary commitment of certain individuals who have been administered opioid antidotes.

NJ A1325

Requires involuntary commitment of certain individuals who have been administered opioid antidotes.

NJ A3648

Requires medical testing for certain persons in circumstances when first responders may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

NJ A175

Requires medical testing for certain persons in circumstances when first responders may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

NJ A201

Authorizes first responders to obtain, administer, and dispense opioid antidotes, with immunity, pursuant to Statewide standing order issued by State health official; makes clarifying changes to "Overdose Prevention Act."

NJ A1170

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by campus medical professional or trained employee.

NJ SB449

Requires reporting of contagious or infectious diseases to first responders. (gov sig)

NJ A277

Authorizes public libraries to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by librarian or other trained library employee.

Similar Bills

NJ A201

Authorizes first responders to obtain, administer, and dispense opioid antidotes, with immunity, pursuant to Statewide standing order issued by State health official; makes clarifying changes to "Overdose Prevention Act."

CA AB408

Physician Health and Wellness Program.

CA AB1172

Adult day programs: administration of inhalable emergency antiseizure medications.

NJ S474

Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply.

NJ S2262

Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply.

NJ S95

Authorizes school nurses to administer opioid antidotes to overdose victims on school property, with immunity from civil, criminal, and professional liability, pursuant to "Overdose Prevention Act."

NJ S602

Authorizes school nurses to administer opioid antidotes to overdose victims on school property, with immunity from civil, criminal, and professional liability, pursuant to "Overdose Prevention Act."

NJ A486

Requires testing for infectious disease for certain persons who have been administered opioid antidote by first responder.