New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4174

Introduced
6/2/22  

Caption

Requires each guardian of incapacitated persons to provide consent in order for incapacitated persons to obtain vaccinations and booster vaccinations against COVID-19.

Impact

The passage of A4174 would have significant implications for healthcare regulations pertaining to incapacitated persons in New Jersey. This includes stipulations that place guardians in a position of responsibility for health decisions impacting those under their care. By reinforcing the need for guardian consent, the legislation seeks to mitigate potential conflicts between the health needs of incapacitated individuals and the wishes or intentions of guardians. The intent is to create a standardized approach to vaccination, especially important during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4174, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that guardians of incapacitated individuals must provide consent for those individuals to receive vaccinations and booster shots against COVID-19. The bill specifically addresses situations where individuals are deemed incapacitated due to mental or physical impairments, thus lacking the capability to make healthcare decisions on their own. By requiring explicit consent from guardians, the bill aims to ensure that the rights and decisions of incapacitated persons regarding vaccination are respected and undertaken with appropriate oversight.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, it could also incite debate regarding the extent of guardianship authority and the autonomy of incapacitated persons. Critics might argue that this measure could delay access to necessary vaccinations, as obtaining guardian consent may introduce obstacles in urgent health situations. Further, the implementation of such regulations may require oversight and clarity regarding what constitutes an incapacitated person to avoid misinterpretation of the law.

Companion Bills

NJ S1566

Same As Requires each guardian of incapacitated persons to provide consent in order for incapacitated persons to obtain vaccinations and booster vaccinations against COVID-19.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1566

Requires each guardian of incapacitated persons to provide consent in order for incapacitated persons to obtain vaccinations and booster vaccinations against COVID-19.

NJ SB1224

Relating to guardianships for incapacitated persons.

NJ SB514

Incapacitated persons; changes to provisions of guardianship and conservatorship.

NJ SB1768

Relating to guardianships and supports and services for incapacitated persons.

NJ SB198

Guardianship; modifying procedures for determination of guardianship for incapacitated person. Effective date.

NJ HB39

Relating to guardianships for incapacitated persons and to substitutes for guardianships for certain adults with disabilities.

NJ HB1262

Guardians of incapacitated persons.

NJ SB2248

Relating to guardianships for persons who are incapacitated; changing a fee.

NJ SB1624

Relating to guardianships and services for incapacitated persons and to the emergency detention of certain persons with mental illness.

NJ SB12

Relating to guardianships for persons who are incapacitated; changing a fee.

Similar Bills

NJ S4092

Revises procedures for temporary guardianship.

NJ S2622

Revises procedures for temporary guardianship.

NJ S387

Expands role of temporary guardian to include arranging placement of alleged incapacitated person in appropriate, less restrictive environment.

NJ S2332

Allows complaint for guardianship of minor to be filed six months before minor reaches age 18 under certain circumstances; establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints.

NJ A3893

Allows complaint for guardianship of minor to be filed six months before minor reaches age 18 under certain circumstances; establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints.

NJ S3260

Allows complaint for guardianship of minor receiving developmental disability services to be filed six months before minor reaches age 18; establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints.

NJ A5149

Allows for complaint for guardianship of minor receiving developmental disability services to be filed six months before minor reaches age 18; establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints.

VA HB2027

Guardianship; procedures for restriction of communication, visitation, or interaction.