New Jersey Assembly Bill A1648

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires health care facility staff to provide certain counseling following miscarriages and State registrar to establish certificate of birth.

Impact

Should A1648 be enacted, it would require the Commissioner of Health, in collaboration with various state medical boards, to formulate and implement regulations that ensure health care providers deliver appropriate counseling and support to families after a miscarriage. Key elements include creating a bereavement checklist and informational pamphlet that outlines funeral and cremation options, as well as the establishment of protocols for patient care following a miscarriage. This could significantly alter how medical staff approach the subject of miscarriage, particularly in terms of emotional support, ultimately influencing patient care standards across the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1648 proposes a set of comprehensive policies and procedures that health care facilities in New Jersey must follow regarding the care of women who experience a miscarriage, defined as an unintended intrauterine fetal death occurring before 20 weeks of gestation. This legislation mandates the development of specific guidelines aimed at educating health care professionals about sensitive communication with families during such a traumatic experience. The bill's aim is to provide a structured approach to handling the emotional and psychological needs of families who undergo the loss associated with miscarriage.

Contention

The potential points of contention surrounding A1648 include concerns about the actual implementation of its requirements and the adequacy of training provided to health professionals. Critics may voice concerns regarding the state mandating procedures in the sensitive realm of family grief, as some may perceive such regulations as overreach. Supporters, however, may argue that the bill is a necessary step towards ensuring that families receive proper care during a very difficult time, effectively bridging the gap in existing health care practices for miscarriage management. The legislation also introduces the concept of a 'certificate of birth' for miscarriages, which may generate discussions on how it might impact the perception of miscarriage in society.