New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2304

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

Impact

The bill reinforces patient rights by requiring hospitals to proactively communicate essential information about reconstructive surgery options to breast cancer patients. This supports informed decision-making and aims to improve access to necessary surgical treatments, potentially enhancing the quality of care. Moreover, the Act restricts managed care plan contracts from including provisions that limit healthcare provider recommendations for surgeries, ensuring that patients are referred to appropriate specialists irrespective of hospital affiliations or network statuses.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2304 mandates that general hospitals in New Jersey provide breast cancer patients with clear written information about their rights to seek consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons for reconstructive surgery. This requirement includes outlining options for reconstructive surgery before and after surgical treatment for breast cancer, ensuring that patients are informed about their choices regarding procedures such as mastectomy and lumpectomy. The bill aims to empower patients by ensuring they receive guidance on available reconstruction options as well as the associated healthcare coverage under state and federal laws.

Contention

While the bill aims to safeguard and enhance patient rights, points of contention may arise concerning how hospitals and insurance providers manage these requirements. There may be concerns from healthcare providers about the implications of mandating such information sharing, which could result in increased administrative burdens. Additionally, some stakeholders might express apprehension regarding the potential costs for healthcare systems associated with these new obligations, particularly how it may affect coverage and network participation in managed care plans.

Companion Bills

NJ S1449

Same As Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NJ S735

Carry Over Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NJ A1913

Carry Over Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1913

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NJ S735

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NJ S1449

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NJ A04591

Requires that general hospitals that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection or lumpectomy provide information to such patients concerning options for breast reconstruction.

NJ S01305

Requires that general hospitals that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection or lumpectomy provide information to such patients concerning options for breast reconstruction.

NJ SB556

Provides relative to information and access to breast reconstructive surgery. (gov sig)

NJ SB83

To Mandate Coverage For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries; To Require Prior Authorization For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries; And To Establish A Minimum Reimbursement Rate For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries.

NJ HB669

Relating to informing a patient concerning reconstructive breast surgery before performing certain surgical procedures.

NJ HB1750

Relating to the development and distribution of information regarding certain breast surgeries for patients.

NJ H2169

Relative to patient access to information regarding breast reconstructive surgery

Similar Bills

NJ A1913

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NJ S735

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

NJ S1449

Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.

IN HB1058

Breast cancer screening and services.

LA HB347

Provides relative to health insurance coverage for breast cancer screening and treatment (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)

AZ SB1099

Supplemental breast exams; insurance; coverage

MT SB218

Provide for private right of action for injuries caused by certain medical interventions to treat gender dysphoria

AZ SB1601

Breast examinations; cancer screenings; age