New Jersey Assembly Bill A4753

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/19/24
• Refer: 9/19/24
• Report Pass: 3/10/25
• Engrossed: 5/22/25
• Refer: 5/29/25

Caption

Requires hospitals and birthing facilities to request new parents watch water safety video prior to discharge.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will necessitate a change in the discharge procedures of hospitals and birthing facilities across the state. It mandates that new parents, along with any adult family members present at the birth, watch the designated water safety video before leaving the facility. As a result, this may lead to improved parental awareness concerning the hazards associated with water for young children, which could ultimately reduce the incidence of drowning and water-related accidents among infants and toddlers.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4753 seeks to enhance water safety awareness among new parents by requiring that hospitals and birthing facilities provide an informational video on water safety for children prior to discharge. This proactive measure is aimed at educating parents about the risks of drowning in various water environments as well as promoting essential water safety skills. The video will cover vital topics including the importance of life jackets, basic swimming instructions, and safety measures to prevent drowning incidents, such as the use of anti-entrapment drain covers and pool fences.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving safety and educating parents, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation and enforcement of such a requirement. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the logistical aspects of including this educational component into existing healthcare procedures, particularly regarding the resources that facilities would need to allocate. Additionally, discussions around the effectiveness of such educational interventions in truly influencing parental behavior and reducing accidents could arise.