New Jersey Assembly Bill A4426

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/29/22
• Refer: 6/29/22

Caption

Requires bio-analytical or clinical laboratory conducting hepatitis C screening test to draw and store blood for confirmation test.

Impact

By mandating the collection and storage of additional blood samples, A4426 aims to streamline the testing process for hepatitis C, potentially increasing early detection and treatment rates. This bill supports public health initiatives by reducing barriers that patients might face in accessing necessary confirmatory tests. Additionally, ensuring that confirmation tests can be processed promptly may lead to better health outcomes for individuals at risk of hepatitis C.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4426 requires bio-analytical or clinical laboratories conducting hepatitis C screening tests to draw and store additional blood for a confirmation test. This measure ensures that a sufficient quantity of blood is collected so that if the initial test is positive, confirmation can occur without requiring patients to return for further blood draws. The laboratories must store this additional blood sample for up to 90 days or until a confirmation test is ordered, whichever comes first.

Contention

There may be discussions surrounding the implications of this bill regarding patient consent and the handling of sensitive health information. Critics could raise concerns about the storage of blood samples, including ethical considerations related to patient autonomy and data privacy. Furthermore, the bill's requirement for laboratories to handle additional blood draws might raise questions about resource allocation and operational costs in clinical settings.