Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.
The implications of SB 735 are significant in reshaping patient care standards within New Jersey's healthcare system. By requiring hospitals to provide written notice regarding reconstructive surgery options, the bill ensures that patients have access to necessary information that could influence their treatment course. Furthermore, it aims to alleviate barriers that might prevent patients from accessing quality reconstructive services in a timely manner, thereby promoting comprehensive care.
Senate Bill 735 mandates that general hospitals providing surgical services for breast cancer notify patients about their rights to consult with board-certified plastic surgeons regarding reconstructive surgery options. This bill aims to enhance the informed choices available to patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer, the breast cancer gene, or other related abnormalities. Such notification is required to take place when the hospital is made aware of a patient's diagnosis and before obtaining consent for surgery.
One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB 735 is its provision that prevents managed care plans from imposing restrictions on providers recommending plastic surgeons based on network status. This aspect of the bill could be a point of controversy among healthcare providers and insurance companies who might resist such mandates, arguing that they could impact the operational aspects of network affiliations and patient coverage policies. Ensuring that such recommendations are based solely on patient clinical needs might conflict with the financial considerations of healthcare networks.
In summary, SB 735 enhances patient rights concerning breast cancer treatment and surgical options, ensures that written information about reconstructive surgery is provided, and restricts insurance carriers from denying authorization based solely on network affiliation. The bill is poised to promote patient autonomy and improve the overall management of breast cancer care in hospitals across New Jersey.