New Jersey Assembly Bill A679

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Prohibits certain forms of discrimination in DOH policies concerning allocation of critical health care resources.

Impact

The proposed legislation impacts how health care resources, particularly in times of scarcity, are allocated. Under the new law, healthcare allocations cannot be based on criteria that adversely affect individuals with disabilities. For example, hospitals will no longer be allowed to deprioritize patients based on their disability or limit resources to patients who may require long-term support. This change aims to create a more equitable healthcare environment, fostering increased access and appropriateness of care for vulnerable populations.

Summary

Bill A679 seeks to prohibit discrimination in the policies related to the allocation of critical health care resources in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill mandates that any allocation policies developed by the Department of Health (DOH) must comply with relevant federal civil rights laws. This includes laws such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, thereby ensuring that no individual is unfairly excluded from receiving necessary health care resources based on their disability status or the level of resources they may require.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding Bill A679 include debates over the implications of such mandates on resource management in healthcare facilities. Critics may argue that while promoting equality in health care is essential, the rigid standards outlined in the bill could strain resources during crises, potentially impacting the care provided to all patients. Additionally, the prohibition of certain do-not-resuscitate policies raises questions about the ethical and practical aspects of patient autonomy and hospital staff decision-making in critical care scenarios.