New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1449

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 implications of S1449 are significant as it supplements existing healthcare laws in New Jersey. By explicitly requiring hospitals to inform patients about reconstructive surgery options, the bill enhances patient autonomy and access to necessary medical services. Additionally, managed care plan contracts are affected as carriers are prohibited from denying authorizations for reconstructive surgery based on a plastic surgeon’s network status, thereby expanding the choices available to patients and ensuring they are not limited by insurance provisions.

Summary

Bill S1449 is aimed at improving the rights of breast cancer patients by mandating that general hospitals provide pertinent information regarding reconstructive surgery options. Specifically, the bill ensures that patients receive written notice of their right to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon of their choice who can provide reconstructive services related to breast cancer treatment. This notice must be delivered upon diagnosis and before surgical consent is obtained, thus empowering patients to be informed and make educated decisions regarding their treatment options.

Contention

While S1449 promotes patient empowerment, it may face challenges concerning the compliance costs imposed on hospitals and managed care providers. Critics may argue that enforcing such regulations could lead to increased operational burdens on healthcare facilities. Furthermore, there may also be resistance concerning how managed care organizations adapt to new rules regarding recommendations and referrals, which could lead to debates about the economics of healthcare and insurance services.

Companion Bills

NJ A2304

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 S735

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

NJ A2304

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

NJ A1913

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

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 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 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 S735

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

NJ A1913

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

NJ A2304

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