reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-122 - Services performed

26:2-122. Services performed
The principal activity of the program shall be answering requests by telephone for poison information and making recommendations for appropriate management and treatment of poisoning exposure and overdose victims. Services of the poison control and drug information program shall also include:
a. Evaluating whether treatment can be accomplished in the home setting or whether transport to an emergency treatment facility is required;
b. Recommending treatment measures to appropriate personnel;
c. Providing follow-up education to prevent future similar incidents;
d. Providing community education programs designed to improve public awareness of poisoning and overdose problems and to educate the public regarding prevention; and
e. Answering drug information questions from health professionals by providing current and accurate information relating to drugs and their therapeutic uses.
L.1982, c. 177, s. 4, eff. Nov. 12, 1982.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-123 - Personnel utilization

26:2-123. Personnel utilization
The program shall utilize physicians, pharmacists, nurses and other necessary personnel trained in various aspects of toxicology, poison control, and drug information retrieval and analysis.
L.1982, c. 177, s. 5, eff. Nov. 12, 1982.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-124 - Findings, declarations

26:2-124. Findings, declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that the rising incidence of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke is causing increased concern among public health officials and private practitioners who feel that it is imperative that new initiatives be developed to combat the high blood pressure which is so often associated with these life threatening conditions.
The Legislature further finds that the expansion of the comprehensive hypertension control program presently operated by the New Jersey State Department of Health with funds from federal block grants is in the best interests of the citizens of the State of New Jersey in an effort to minimize the incidence of death and disability which so often accompany uncontrolled high blood pressure.
L. 1985, c. 5, s. 1, eff. Jan. 10, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-125 - Definitions

26:2-125. Definitions
As used in this act:
a. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Health;
b. "Department" means the State Department of Health;
c. "Program" means the hypertension control program established by the commissioner.
L. 1985, c. 5, s. 2, eff. Jan. 10, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-126 - Expansion of hypertension control program

26:2-126. Expansion of hypertension control program
The commissioner shall expand the existing hypertension control program within the department, which shall have central authority and responsibility for the development of a system of community based high blood pressure control programs.
The commissioner shall take any action he deems necessary, including the provision of advisory and technical assistance and the development of training and educational programs, to assist qualified individuals and agencies to develop comprehensive and coordinated hypertension programs.
L. 1985, c. 5, s. 3, eff. Jan. 10, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-127 - Components of community program.

26:2-127 Components of community program.
4. A community based high blood pressure control program shall provide:
a. Hypertension screening;
b. Treatment referral;
c. Counseling for persons with high blood pressure as to proper diet, weight control, and appropriate care and treatment of the condition; and
d. Patient follow-up and evaluation of treatment methods.
L.1985, c.5, s.4; amended 2017, c.131, s.66.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-128 - Authority of commissioner.

26:2-128 Authority of commissioner.
5. The commissioner is authorized to:
a. Enter into necessary contracts and agreements with counties, municipalities and other units of government, colleges, universities, associations, agencies, corporations, and individuals for the development and expansion of community hypertension programs;
b. Gather data relative to the detection of high blood pressure and the incidence of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke;
c. Promote programs of professional education for physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and public health professionals relative to the prevention, detection and control of high blood pressure and the rehabilitation of persons with heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease which result from uncontrolled hypertension;
d. Conduct scientific investigation into the prevention, cause, detection, and control of high blood pressure;
e. Develop more effective methods for the screening, evaluation and control of hypertension; and
f. Apply for and accept any grant of money from the federal government or any other source available for the purposes of P.L.1985, c.5 (C.26:2-124 et seq.).
L.1985, c.5, s.5; amended 2017, c.131, s.67.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-129 - Regulations

26:2-129. Regulations
Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), the commissioner shall promulgate any regulations necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.
L. 1985, c. 5, s. 6, eff. Jan. 10, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-130 - Findings, declarations

26:2-130. Findings, declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Exposure to lead and lead poisoning leads to morbidity, mortality, mental retardation, and learning disability in young children, the monetary and social costs of which far exceed the costs of monitoring and preventing lead poisoning.
b. The New Jersey Department of Health estimates that 44 of every 1000 children are at risk of lead poisoning and that the rate of lead poisoning among children at risk now exceeds the rate of paralytic polio at the height of the epidemic of the 1950's; however, the department has the resources to test and follow up on only 16% of the 220,000 children it estimates are at risk of lead poisoning.
c. Very few health departments have the resources to comply fully with the minimum standards of performance for local boards of health and Chapter XIII of the State Sanitary Code concerning control of lead poisoning in children due to the costs of the required testing, follow-up and abatement.
L. 1985, c. 84, s. 1, eff. March 25, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-131 - Definitions.

26:2-131 Definitions.
2. As used in this act:
"Child" means a person one through five years of age.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health.
"Department" means the Department of Health.
"Lead poisoning" means the poisoning of the bloodstream that results from prolonged exposure to lead or lead-based substances in water, paint, building materials, or the environment, and which causes uncorrectable developmental delay and decreased mental functioning capacity in children, and in severe cases, can lead to a child's premature death.
L.1985, c.84, s.2; amended 2017, c.7, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-132 - Lead poisoning control program

26:2-132. Lead poisoning control program
The department, within the limits of funds appropriated for this purpose, has the responsibility for the development, implementation and coordination of a program to control lead poisoning and abate identified lead hazards by:
a. Identifying areas where there is a high risk of the presence of lead paint in a dwelling;
b. Establishing testing procedures for the detection of the presence of lead in persons and dwellings; and
c. Stimulating professional and public education concerning the need to test, detect and control lead poisoning and to abate identified lead hazards.
L. 1985, c. 84, s. 3, eff. March 25, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-134 - Comprehensive plan

26:2-134. Comprehensive plan
Within six months of the effective date of this act, the commissioner shall prepare a comprehensive plan to control lead poisoning in the State. The commissioner shall submit the plan to the Governor and the Legislature.
L. 1985, c. 84, s. 5, eff. March 25, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-135 - Annual report

26:2-135. Annual report
6. The commissioner shall issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by October 1 of each year. The report shall include a summary of the lead poisoning testing and abatement program activities in the State during the preceding fiscal year and any recommendations or suggestions for legislative consideration.
This report shall be made available to local and State agencies involved with case management and lead abatement, and to interested members of the public.
L.1985, c.84, s.6; amended 1995,c.328,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-136 - Loans to local boards

26:2-136. Loans to local boards
The department may set aside up to 10% of the funds appropriated pursuant to this act for the purpose of providing loans to local boards of health to abate lead paint nuisances pursuant to section 9 of P.L. 1971, c. 366 (C. 24:14A-9). The department shall establish criteria for making the loans and procedures for repayment of the loans to the department.
L. 1985, c. 84, s. 7, eff. March 25, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-137 - Regulations

26:2-137. Regulations
The commissioner shall, pursuant to the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt regulations necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.
L. 1985, c. 84, s. 8, eff. March 25, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-137.1 - Specifications for lead screening of children, immunizations.

26:2-137.1 Specifications for lead screening of children, immunizations.
7. The Department of Health shall specify by regulation, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.):
a. The lead screening requirements provided for under P.L.1995, c.316 (C.17:48E-35.10 et al.), including the age of the child when initial screening should be conducted, the time intervals between screening, when follow-up testing is required, the methods that shall be used to conduct the lead screening, and, in accordance with the latest recommendations of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the provisions of P.L.1995, c.328 (C.26:2-137.2 et seq.), the level of lead in the bloodstream that shall necessitate the undertaking of responsive action; and
b. The childhood immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the United States Public Health Service and the Department of Health.
L.1995, c.316, s.7; amended 2017, c.7, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-137.2 - Findings, declarations relative to lead exposure of children.

26:2-137.2 Findings, declarations relative to lead exposure of children.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, 630,000 children under the age of six are at risk of lead poisoning in New Jersey and should be screened for elevated blood lead levels. Of this number, the Department of Health estimates that 177,000 pre-school children are at particularly high risk of lead poisoning;
b. Approximately 70,000 pre-school children, or almost 10 percent of the population of children under age six, are currently screened for lead poisoning;
c. Screening is an essential element in the fight to reduce and eventually eliminate childhood lead poisoning, and identification of children in the early stages of lead exposure can prevent children from suffering severe cases of lead poisoning;
d. There is no safe level of lead exposure in children, and even low levels of lead in the bloodstream have been shown to affect IQ, attention span, and academic achievement, in a manner that cannot be corrected;
e. Although lead can be found in many sources, lead exposure is entirely preventable, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes that the best way to address the problem of lead poisoning is to take action to prevent children from coming into contact with lead, while providing appropriate treatment and case management to those children who are found to have elevated blood lead levels;
f. A universal lead screening program will identify which children require medical evaluation and treatment, and will alert parents about the need to identify and abate lead hazards in their homes;
g. The integration of educational and community outreach programs, as part of a universal lead screening program, will raise public consciousness about the insidious dangers of childhood lead poisoning, encourage parents to take preventive steps to make their homes lead-safe, and encourage communities to strengthen lead exposure prevention programs; and
h. Universal lead screening and universal reporting of lead test results will allow the Department of Health and local boards of health to obtain information on neighborhoods and communities that are at a high risk for lead exposure, and thereby allow for the implementation of targeted lead hazard reduction programs in the areas of greatest need.
L.1995, c.328, s.1; amended 2017, c.7, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-137.3 - Definitions relative to lead exposure.

26:2-137.3 Definitions relative to lead exposure.
2. As used in this act:
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health.
"Department" means the Department of Health.
"Elevated blood lead level" means a level of lead in the bloodstream that equals or exceeds five micrograms per deciliter or other such amount as may be identified in the most recent recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and that necessitates the undertaking of responsive action.
"Lead poisoning" means the poisoning of the bloodstream that results from prolonged exposure to lead or lead-based substances in water, paint, building materials, or the environment, and which causes uncorrectable developmental delay and decreased mental functioning capacity in children, and in severe cases, can lead to a child's premature death.
"Lead screening" means the application of a detection technique to measure a child's blood lead level and determine the extent of a child's recent exposure to lead.
L.1995, c.328, s.2; amended 2017, c.7, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-137.5 - Blood samples; collection, testing

26:2-137.5. Blood samples; collection, testing
4. a. All lead screening blood samples collected by a physician, registered professional nurse or a health care facility pursuant to this act shall be sent to a laboratory licensed by the Department of Health, pursuant to the "New Jersey Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act," P.L.1975, c.166 (C.45:9-42.26 et seq.), for analysis of blood lead levels.
b. A laboratory which performs a lead screening test pursuant to this act shall report the test results to the department, the local health department in the municipality in which the child who is the subject of the test resides, and the physician, registered professional nurse or health care facility, agency or program that submitted the specimen, within five business days of obtaining the test result.
L.1995,c.328,s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-137.6 - Central database maintained; confidentiality.

26:2-137.6 Central database maintained; confidentiality.
5. a. The department shall maintain a central database which shall include a record of all lead screening conducted pursuant to this act. The database shall include the name, age and address of the child screened and any other demographic data the department deems necessary. The database shall be geographically indexed, by municipality, in order to determine the location of areas of relatively high incidence of lead poisoning.
b. The information reported to and compiled by the department pursuant to this act is to be used only by the department and such other agencies as may be designated by the commissioner and shall not otherwise be divulged or made public so as to disclose the identity of any child to whom it relates without written parental consent; and to that end, the information shall not be included under materials available to public inspection pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.). The department may, however, make such statistical reports available using information compiled from the database if the name or other identifying information of the child screened is not revealed and in accordance with all other federal and State laws regarding the protection of medical information.
L.1995, c.328, s.5; amended 2021, c.182, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-137.7 - Rules, regulations

26:2-137.7. Rules, regulations
6. The commissioner shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.
L.1995,c.328,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-138 - Findings, declarations

26:2-138. Findings, declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that the rising incidence of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications involving the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels and nerves is causing concern among public health officials and private practitioners who feel that it is imperative that new initiatives be developed to combat this disease which is so costly in human, social, and economic terms.
The Legislature further finds that the authorization to make permanent the existing comprehensive Diabetes Control Program within the New Jersey State Department of Health is in the best interests of the citizens of the State of New Jersey in an effort to minimize the incidence of death and disability so often attributed to diabetes.
L. 1987, c. 10, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-139 - Definitions

26:2-139. Definitions
As used in this act:
a. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the State Department of Health;
b. "Department" means the State Department of Health;
c. "Program" means the Diabetes Control Program established by the commissioner.
L. 1987, c. 10, s. 2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-141 - Duties, powers.

26:2-141 Duties, powers.
4. The commissioner is authorized to:
a. Gather data relative to the occurrence of diabetes and its associated complications;
b. Enter into necessary contracts and agreements with counties, municipalities, and other units of government, colleges, universities, associations, and agencies;
c. Conduct a scientific investigation into the prevention, cause, and control of diabetes and its associated morbidity;
d. Develop more effective methods for evaluating diabetes control strategies;
e. Promote programs of education for persons with diabetes in order to improve their quality of life and reduce the burdens of the disease and its complications;
f. Promote programs of professional education for physicians, nurses, dietitians, podiatrists, dentists, physical therapists, pharmacists, and public health professionals relative to the prevention and control of diabetes and the rehabilitation of persons with the complications of diabetes; and
g. Apply for and accept any grant of money from the federal government or any other source available for the purposes of P.L.1987, c.10 (C.26:2-138 et seq.).
L.1987, c.10, s.4; amended 2017, c.131, s.68.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-142 - Rules, regulations

26:2-142. Rules, regulations
Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), the commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.
L. 1987, c. 10, s. 5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-142.1 - Diabetes action plan, report to Governor, Legislature.

26:2-142.1 Diabetes action plan, report to Governor, Legislature.
1. a. The Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, shall develop a diabetes action plan to reduce the impact of diabetes in the State of New Jersey. The plan shall identify goals and benchmarks related to reducing the incidence of diabetes in New Jersey, improving diabetes care, and controlling complications associated with diabetes.
b. The Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, shall, no later than 24 months after the effective date of this act and biannually thereafter, present a report to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), on the following:
(1) The financial impact and reach of diabetes of all types on the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Children and Families, as well as the population Statewide and in specific areas of the State. The report shall include: (a) the number of people with diabetes receiving services provided by each department; (b) the number of people with diabetes and family members impacted by diabetes prevention and control programs implemented by each department; (c) the financial impact of diabetes and its complications on each department; and (d) the financial impact of diabetes and its complications on each department in comparison to other chronic diseases and conditions;
(2) The benefits of implemented programs and activities aimed at preventing or controlling diabetes. This assessment shall document the amount and source of any funding directed to each department for programs and activities aimed at reaching those with diabetes;
(3) The level of coordination among the three departments and the divisions and agencies thereof on activities, programmatic activities, and messaging related to the management, treatment, or prevention of all forms of diabetes and its complications;
(4) The development or revision of a detailed action plan for preventing and controlling diabetes with a range of actionable items for consideration by the Legislature. The plan shall identify proposed actions to reduce the impact of all forms of diabetes, pre-diabetes, and complications related to diabetes; identify expected outcomes of the proposed actions in the following biennium; and establish benchmarks for preventing and controlling relevant forms of diabetes, reducing the incidence of diabetes, improving diabetes care, and controlling complications associated with diabetes; and
(5) The development of a detailed budget blueprint identifying needs, costs, and resources required to implement the plan pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection. This blueprint shall include a budget range for each proposed action presented in the plan pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection for consideration by the Legislature.
L.2013, c.104, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-143 - Blood specimen from all pregnant women

26:2-143. Blood specimen from all pregnant women
Every licensed physician or other licensed health professional engaged in the prenatal care of a pregnant woman or attending the woman at the time of delivery, miscarriage or abortion shall obtain or cause to be obtained a blood specimen of the woman prior to delivery or abortion or within 24 hours after delivery, miscarriage or abortion.
L. 1987, c. 166, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-144 - Determination of Rh blood type

26:2-144. Determination of Rh blood type
The physician or licensed health professional shall submit the blood specimen to a licensed clinical laboratory or a laboratory approved by the State Department of Health for a determination of rhesus (Rh) blood type. The laboratory shall report the results to the physician or other person engaged in the prenatal care of the woman at the time of delivery, miscarriage or abortion.
L. 1987, c. 166, s. 2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-145 - Notification of Rh negative results

26:2-145. Notification of Rh negative results
If the test results indicate the woman is Rh negative, within 48 hours of delivery, miscarriage or abortion and no more than 24 hours of receipt of the results the physician or licensed health professional who was engaged in the prenatal care of the woman shall advise the woman of the significance of the results and the availability of preventative treatment.
L. 1987, c. 166, s. 3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-146 - Exception

26:2-146. Exception
The provisions of this act shall not apply if the physician or other licensed health professional engaged in the prenatal care of a pregnant woman or attending the woman at time of delivery, miscarriage or abortion knows the pregnant woman's rhesus blood type and accepts responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
L. 1987, c. 166, s. 4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-148 - Findings, declarations

26:2-148. Findings, declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Although the majority of Americans are covered by some form of health insurance, families nevertheless lack protection against the high cost of chronic or single episodes of serious illness that may destroy their resources. An illness resulting in this potentially devastating financial consequence is referred to as a catastrophic illness.
b. Catastrophic illnesses often threaten to push some families into bankruptcy and others toward seeking inferior medical care and present a major problem for this nation's health care system in that catastrophic illnesses account for over 20% of this nation's health expenditures.
c. The impact of catastrophic illnesses on the family is especially acute in that children have the highest average medical costs among the population as a whole.
d. It is the public policy of this State that each child of this State should have access to quality health care and adequate protection against the extraordinarily high costs of health care services which are determined to be catastrophic and severely impact upon a child and his family.
e. To this end, it is incumbent upon the State to provide assistance to children and their families whose medical expenses extend beyond the families' available resources.
L. 1987,c.370, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-149 - Definitions relative to catastrophic illness in children.

26:2-149 Definitions relative to catastrophic illness in children.
2. As used in this act:
a. "Catastrophic illness" means any illness or condition the medical expenses of which are not covered by any other State or federal program or any insurance contract and exceed 10% of the first $100,000 of annual income of a family plus 15% of the excess income over $100,000.
b. "Child" means a person 21 years of age and under.
c. "Commission" means the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission.
d. "Family" means a child and the child's parent, parents or legal guardian, as the case may be, who is legally responsible for the child's medical expenses.
e. "Fund" means the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund.
f. "Income" means all income, from whatever source derived, actually received by a family.
g. "Resident" means a person legally domiciled within the State for a period of three months immediately preceding the date of application for inclusion in the program. Mere seasonal or temporary residence within the State, of whatever duration, does not constitute domicile. Absence from this State for a period of 12 months or more is prima facie evidence of abandonment of domicile. The burden of establishing legal domicile within the State is upon the parent or legal guardian of a child.
L.1987,c.370,s.2; amended 1993, c.103, s.1; 1998, c.143, s.1; 2003, c.260, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-150 - Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

26:2-150. Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
The "Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund" is established as a nonlapsing, revolving fund. The fund shall be administered by the commission, and shall be credited with monies received pursuant to section 10 of this act.
The State Treasurer is the custodian of the fund and all disbursements from the fund shall be made by the treasurer upon vouchers signed by the chairman of the commission. The monies in the fund shall be invested and reinvested by the Director of the Division of Investment in the Department of the Treasury as are other trust funds in the custody of the State Treasurer in the manner provided by law. Interest received on the monies in the fund shall be credited to the fund.
L. 1987,c.370, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-151 - Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission.

26:2-151 Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission.
4. There is established in the Executive Branch of the State government, the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission. For the purposes of complying with the provisions of Article V, section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the commission is allocated within the Department of Human Services, but notwithstanding that allocation, the commission shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or by any board or officer thereof.
The commission shall consist of the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Human Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families, the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, and the State Treasurer, who shall be members ex officio, and seven public members who are residents of this State, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for terms of five years, two of whom are appointed upon the recommendation of the President of the Senate, one of whom is a provider of health care services to children in this State and two of whom are appointed upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the General Assembly, one of whom is a provider of health care services to children in this State. The five public members first appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of one, two, three, four and five years, respectively.
Each member shall hold office for the term of his appointment and until his successor has been appointed and qualified. A member of the commission is eligible for reappointment.
Each ex officio member of the commission may designate an officer or employee of the ex officio member's department to represent the member at meetings of the commission, and each designee may lawfully vote and otherwise act on behalf of the member for whom he constitutes the designee. Any designation shall be in writing delivered to the commission and filed with the office of the Secretary of State and shall continue in effect until revoked or amended in the same manner as provided for designation.
L.1987, c.370, s.4; amended 1993, c.103, s.2; 1994, c.149, s.1; 1998, c.143, s.2; 2006, c.47, s.105; 2007, c.342, s.1; 2012, c.17, s.121.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-152 - Suspension; oaths; vacancies

26:2-152. Suspension; oaths; vacancies
Each member of the commission may be removed from office by the Governor, for cause, after a public hearing and may be suspended by the Governor pending the completion of the hearing. Each member of the commission before entering upon his duties shall take and subscribe an oath to perform the duties of his office faithfully, impartially and justly to the best of his ability. A record of the oaths shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
Any vacancies in the membership of the commission occurring other than by the expiration of a term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only.
L. 1987,c.370, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-153 - Officers; quorum

26:2-153. Officers; quorum
6. The members shall elect a chairperson and chief executive officer of the commission who shall be one of the public members of the commission. The commission shall by rule determine the term of office of the chairperson and chief executive officer. The members shall elect a secretary and a treasurer who need not be members of the commission and the same person may be elected to serve both as secretary and treasurer.
The powers of the commission are vested in the members thereof in office from time to time and six members of the commission shall constitute a quorum at any meeting thereof. Action may be taken and motions and resolutions adopted by the commission at any meeting thereof by the affirmative vote of at least six members of the commission. A vacancy in the membership of the commission shall not impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the powers and perform all the duties of the commission.
The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but the commission shall reimburse its members for the reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties based upon the monies available in the fund.
The commission shall be appointed within three months after the effective date of this act and shall organize as soon as may be practicable after the appointment of its members.
L.1987,c.370,s.6; amended L.1994,c.149,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-154 - Powers; duties.

26:2-154 Powers; duties.
7. The commission has, but is not limited to, the following powers and duties:
a. Establish in conjunction with the Special Child Health Services program established pursuant to P.L.1948, c.444 (C.26:1A-2 et seq.) a program for the purposes of this act, administer the fund and authorize the payment or reimbursement of the medical expenses of children with catastrophic illnesses;
b. Establish procedures for application to the program, determining the eligibility for the payment or reimbursement of medical expenses for each child, and processing fund awards and appeals. The commission shall also establish procedures to provide that, in the case of an illness or condition for which the family, after receiving assistance pursuant to this act, recovers damages for the child's medical expenses pursuant to a settlement or judgment in a legal action, the family shall reimburse the fund for the amount of assistance received, or that portion thereof covered by the amount of the damages less the expense of recovery;
c. Establish the amount of reimbursement for the medical expenses of each child using a sliding fee scale based on a family's ability to pay for medical expenses which takes into account family size, family income and assets and family medical expenses and adjust the financial eligibility criteria established pursuant to subsection a. of section 2 of this act based upon the moneys available in the fund;
d. Disseminate information on the fund and the program to the public;
e. Adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business, adopt an official seal and alter the same at pleasure, maintain an office at the place within the State as it may designate, and sue and be sued in its own name;
f. Appoint, retain or employ staff, experts or consultants on a contract basis or otherwise, who are deemed necessary, and employ investigators or other professionally qualified personnel who may be in the noncompetitive division of the career service of the Civil Service, and as may be within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it for its purposes;
g. Maintain confidential records on each child who applies for assistance under the fund;
h. Do all other acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this act; and
i. Adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.1987,c.370,s.7; amended 1998, c.143, s.3, 2003, c.260, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-154.1 - Settlement of claims; disposition of recovered moneys

26:2-154.1. Settlement of claims; disposition of recovered moneys
3. The commission is authorized to negotiate or settle a claim that the fund maintains for reimbursement against a family who has received assistance for the medical expenses of a child with a catastrophic illness pursuant to P.L.1987, c.370 (C.26:2-148 et seq.) and has recovered damages in a legal action for the child's medical expenses. Money recovered pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the fund.
L.1993,c.103.s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-155 - Eligibility.

26:2-155 Eligibility.
8. a. A child who is a resident of this State is eligible, through his parent or legal guardian, to apply to the program established pursuant to subsection a. of section 7 of P.L.1987, c.370 (C.26:2-154).
b. In the event a family has more than one child with a catastrophic illness, as defined pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1987, c.370 (C.26:2-149), the commission shall waive the family responsibility, as established by regulation, for the other child if the family has met the family responsibility for the first child in a State fiscal year.
L.1987, c.370, s.8; amended 1998, c.143, s.4; 2010, c.84.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-156 - Financial assistance.

26:2-156 Financial assistance.
9. Whenever a child has a catastrophic illness and is eligible for the program, the child, through his parent or legal guardian, shall receive financial assistance from monies in the fund subject to the rules and regulations established by the commission and the availability of monies in the fund. The financial assistance shall include, but is not limited to, payments or reimbursements for the cost of medical treatment, hospital care, drugs, nursing care and physician services.
L.1987,c.370,s.9; amended 1998, c.143, s.5, 2003, c.260, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-157 - Annual surcharge per employee under unemployment compensation fund for relief fund.

26:2-157 Annual surcharge per employee under unemployment compensation fund for relief fund.
10. For the purpose of providing the moneys necessary to establish and meet the purposes of the fund, the commission shall establish a $1.50 annual surcharge per employee for all employers who are subject to the New Jersey "Unemployment Compensation Law," R.S. 43:21-1 et seq. The surcharge shall be collected by the controller for the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Fund and paid over to the State Treasurer for deposit in the fund annually as provided by the commission.
L.1987, c.370, s.10; amended 2007, c.342, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-158 - Rules, regulations

26:2-158. Rules, regulations
The State Treasurer shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.) establishing procedures for the collection of the surcharge.
L. 1987,c.370, s.11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-159 - Annual reports.

26:2-159 Annual reports.
12. The commission shall report annually to the Governor and to each Senate and General Assembly committee with responsibility for issues affecting children, health and human services on the status of the program. The report shall include information about the number of participants in the program, average expenditures per participant, the nature and type of catastrophic illnesses for which the fund provided financial assistance, and the average income and expenditures of families who received financial assistance under the program. The commission also may make recommendations for changes in the law and regulations governing the fund.
L.1987,c.370,s.12; amended 1998, c.143, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-160 - Findings, declarations relative to minority and multicultural health

26:2-160. Findings, declarations relative to minority and multicultural health
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. There are dramatic differences in death, disease and injury rates between White and racial and ethnic minority populations in the State, with especially wide and persistent disparities in the incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke, chemical dependency, diabetes, asthma, homicide, suicide, accidental injury, infant mortality, child immunization rates and HIV/AIDS;
b. There is a clear need for a collaborative State effort to address the wide disparity in death, disease and injury rates through a New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health, renamed from the New Jersey Office on Minority Health established pursuant to P.L.1991, c.401 (C.26:2-160 et seq.); and
c. The New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health shall seek to identify and develop innovative projects which will eliminate the gap between the health status of White and racial and ethnic minority populations in this State, and to coordinate current State programs which seek to address minority racial and ethnic health concerns, with the ultimate goal of enabling all members of racial and ethnic minority populations in this State to have access to high-quality health care.
L.1991,c.401,s.1; amended 2001, c.205, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-161 - New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health.

26:2-161 New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health.
2. a. There is established the New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health in the Department of Health.
b. Whenever the term "New Jersey Office on Minority Health" occurs or any reference is made thereto in any law, contract, or document, the same shall be deemed to mean or refer to the "New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health."
L.1991, c.401, s.2; amended 2001, c.205, s.3; 2012, c.17, s.122.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-162.1 - Study of effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women.

26:2-162.1 Study of effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women.
1. a. The New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health shall study the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women.
The purpose of the study shall be to:
(1) identify Statewide and regional trends, patterns, and racial and ethnic disparities in adverse health outcomes, and medical, non-medical, and system-related factors that may affect the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women;
(2) review the extent to which the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women in a geographic area indicate the need to increase access to health care services among racial and ethnic populations in that area; and
(3) identify ways to reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that affect the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women.
b. In conducting the study, the office may seek the advice of persons specializing in the fields of women's health, minority health advocacy, or other related fields.
c. Within one year after the date of enactment of this act, the office shall prepare and submit to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature, a report containing the study's findings concerning the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women and recommendations for legislative or other actions that can be undertaken to:
(1) improve the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women in this State;
(2) reduce or eliminate racial and ethnic disparities that affect the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women; and
(3) increase access to high quality health care services among African-American women in the following priority areas: childbirth; breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer screening; HIV/AIDS; hepatitis C; and other sexually transmitted diseases.
d. The office may prepare and submit additional reports when the office deems it appropriate, and each report, with the exception of the first report prepared under this section, shall additionally identify the extent to which the office's prior recommendations have been successfully implemented in practice and the apparent impact that the implementation of such recommended changes has had on the sexual and reproductive health of African-American women in the preceding years.
L.2019, c.497, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-162.2 - Regulations.

26:2-162.2 Regulations.
2. The office shall adopt regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.2019, c.497, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-163 - Powers of the office.

26:2-163 Powers of the office.
4. The office is authorized to:
a. Adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), concerning the operation of the office and other matters that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this act;
b. Maintain offices at such places within the State as it may designate;
c. Employ a director and other personnel as may be necessary. The director shall be appointed by the Commissioner of Health and shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner during the commissioner's term of office and until the appointment and qualification of the director's successor. The director shall devote his entire time to the duties of the position and shall receive a salary as provided by law;
d. Apply for and accept any grant of money from the federal government, private foundations or other sources, which may be available for programs related to multicultural or minority health;
e. Serve as the designated State agency for receipt of federal funds specifically designated for multicultural or racial and ethnic minority health programs; and
f. Enter into contracts with individuals, organizations, and institutions necessary for the performance of its duties under this act.
L.1991, c.401, s.4; amended 2001, c.205, s.5; 2012, c.17, s.124.