New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S887

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Prohibits reporting medical information of children without consent of parent or legal guardian.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly change how healthcare providers handle the medical information of children in New Jersey. It will strictly limit the sharing of sensitive healthcare data with governmental bodies, thereby strengthening parental control over the medical data of their children. Amendments will also be made to several existing statutes regarding reporting requirements for registries dealing with autism, lead screening, and other health issues, mandating that consent is acquired before any reporting occurs. This change could reduce data-sharing compliance burdens on healthcare providers but aims to enhance parental rights regarding their children's health data.

Summary

Senate Bill S887 aims to protect the confidentiality of children's medical information by prohibiting healthcare providers from reporting a child's medical information without the express, informed, and written consent of a parent or legal guardian. This legislation supplements Title 26 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes, ensuring that any data regarding a child will not be disclosed to any local or state governmental entity unless consent is obtained. However, this bill does allow for exceptions in cases where a healthcare provider has reasonable belief that a child may be subjected to abuse, including sexual abuse. This rule aims to enhance the protection of minors against unwanted disclosures.

Contention

Despite its protective intent, S887 may face contention regarding the implications for public health data collection and monitoring. Critics might argue that requiring parental consent for all disclosures could hinder the state's abilities to track and respond to public health trends, particularly in epidemiology and child health registries. Supporters of the bill, however, will likely advocate for the importance of parental rights and the protection of children's privacy over bureaucratic efficiency. The balance between safeguarding children and maintaining vital health statistics could be a significant point of discourse as the bill moves forward in the legislative process.

Companion Bills

NJ S4099

Carry Over Prohibits reporting medical information of children without consent of parent or legal guardian.

Previously Filed As

NJ S4099

Prohibits reporting medical information of children without consent of parent or legal guardian.

NJ S1106

Prohibits mandatory use of medical devices by minors without informed parental consent.

NJ A2153

Prohibits mandatory use of medical devices by minors without informed parental consent.

NJ HB2884

Parental rights in health care; minor child's health care consultations; parental abuse exception; Attorney General enforcement; relief; immunity; physician and psychotherapist patient privilege; minor cannot refuse to disclose information to their parent or legal guardian; disclosure of confidential information, privileges, and testimony in hearings; parent or legal guardian's consent is required; disclosure of information and exceptions; right of self-consent under certain conditions and doctor-patient privileges; minors can consent without a parent or legal guardian; effective date.

NJ S1166

Allows parents or legal custodians separated from their children because of immigration matters to appoint standby guardians.

NJ A1915

Allows parents or legal custodians separated from their children because of immigration matters to appoint standby guardians.

NJ A2350

Allows parents or legal custodians separated from their children because of immigration matters to appoint standby guardians.

NJ S1745

Prohibits acquisition or disclosure of personal health information without consent.

NJ A5075

Prohibits acquisition or disclosure of personal health information without consent.

NJ HB1224

Health care; minor self-consent to health services; granting certain protections to parent or legal guardian related to medical records; effective date.

Similar Bills

NJ S4099

Prohibits reporting medical information of children without consent of parent or legal guardian.

NJ A1991

Clarifies statutory exemptions from mandatory immunization requirements for child care center and school attendance.

NJ A1812

Clarifies statutory exemptions from mandatory immunization requirements for child care center and school attendance.

NJ A4000

Establishes Office of Professional Corporate Guardians.

NJ S3148

Establishes Office of Professional Corporate Guardians.

NJ A4338

Requires vaccinations against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) be reported to New Jersey Immunization Information System.

NY A05194

Relates to including rescue inhaler prescriptions for asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases for individuals under age nineteen in the statewide immunization information system.

CT SB00154

An Act Authorizing A Differential Response By The Department Of Children And Families To Reports Of Child Abuse.