reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-164 - New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health Advisory Commission.

26:2-164 New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health Advisory Commission.
5. There is established a New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health Advisory Commission.
The commission shall consist of nine members, including the Commissioner of Health or his designee, who shall serve ex officio, and eight public members who are residents of the State and who shall be appointed as follows: one member who is a health care professional shall be appointed by the President of the Senate; one member who is a health care professional shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; and six members, at least two of whom are health care professionals, at least one of whom represents health care facilities and at least one of whom represents the health insurance industry, shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The term of office of each public member shall be three years, but of the members first appointed, two shall be appointed for a term of one year, three shall be appointed for a term of two years and three shall be appointed for a term of three years. A member shall hold office for the term of his appointment and until his successor has been appointed and qualified. All vacancies shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. A member of the commission is eligible for reappointment.
The public members of the commission shall not receive any compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for the actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as members of the commission, within the limits of funds available to the commission.
The members of the commission shall annually elect a chairman and a vice-chairman from among the public members and may select a secretary, who need not be a member of the commission.
The New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health shall provide such staff and assistance as the commission requires to carry out its work.
L.1991, c.401, s.5; amended 2001, c.205, s.6; 2012, c.17, s.125.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-165 - Duties of advisory commission

26:2-165 Duties of advisory commission
6. The advisory commission shall:
a. Review and make recommendations to the New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health on any rules, regulations and policies proposed by the office;
b. Advise the office on the awarding of grants and development of programs and services required pursuant to this act;
c. Advise the office on the needs, priorities, programs and policies relating to multicultural or racial and ethnic minority health in this State; and
d. Provide any other assistance to the office, as may be requested by the director.
The commission may accept from any governmental department or agency, public or private body or any other source grants or contributions to be used in carrying out its responsibilities under this act.
L.1991,c.401,s.6; amended 2001, c.205, s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-166 - Annual report

26:2-166. Annual report
7. The office shall report annually, by September 1 of each year, to the Legislature and the Governor on the activities of the office, including the projects and services developed and funded by the office and the health care problems that the grant funds are intended to ameliorate. The office may include in the report any recommendations for administrative or legislative action that it deems appropriate.
L.1991,c.401,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-167 - Assistance of public agencies

26:2-167. Assistance of public agencies
8. The office is entitled to call to its assistance, and avail itself of, the services of employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. All departments, agencies and divisions are authorized and directed, to the extent not inconsistent with law, to cooperate with the New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health.
L.1991,c.401,s.8; amended 2001, c.205, s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-167.1 - "Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative."

26:2-167.1 "Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative."
1. The Commissioner of Health shall establish the "Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative" in the Office on Minority and Multicultural Health. The commissioner shall require the office to develop and implement a comprehensive, coordinated plan to reduce health disparities between White and racial and ethnic minority populations in the State in the following priority areas: asthma; infant mortality; breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancer screening; kidney disease; HIV/AIDS; hepatitis C; sexually transmitted diseases; adult and child immunizations; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; and accidental injuries and violence. As used in this act, "office" means the New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health.
L.2004, c.137, s.1; amended 2012, c.17, s.126.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-167.2 - Duties of office.

26:2-167.2 Duties of office.
2. The office shall:
a. Establish measurable outcomes to achieve the goal of reducing health disparities in the areas provided in section 1 of this act.
b. Enhance current data tools to ensure a Statewide assessment of the risk behaviors associated with the health disparity priority areas provided in section 1 of this act. To the extent feasible, the office shall conduct the assessment so that the results may be compared to national data.
L.2004,c.137,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-167.3 - Rules, regulations.

26:2-167.3 Rules, regulations.
3. The Commissioner of Health shall adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.2004, c.137, s.3; amended 2012, c.17, s.127.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-168 - Breast cancer informational booklets provided by Department of Health

26:2-168. Breast cancer informational booklets provided by Department of Health
1. The Department of Health, in consultation with the New Jersey Division of the American Cancer Society, the Radiological Society of New Jersey and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, New Jersey Chapter, shall prepare an informational booklet in English and Spanish which describes, in a manner easily understandable by the patient, recognized dietary and lifestyle implications for the prevention of breast cancer, advantages and methods of early detection, and the risks and procedures involved with alternative methods of breast cancer treatment. The department shall make a supply of booklets available to all licensed health care facilities engaged in the diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer, facilities which provide mammography services and physicians engaged in the diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer, and social services agencies that primarily serve women.
L.1993,c.225,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-169 - Criteria for compulsive gambling programs; grants.

26:2-169 Criteria for compulsive gambling programs; grants.
2. The Department of Human Services shall develop criteria which prevention, education, and treatment programs for compulsive gamblers shall meet in order to become eligible for a grant from the funds made available for such programs pursuant to section 145 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-145). The department shall also develop a formula for the distribution of available funds which will result in an equitable distribution among the programs which meet the eligibility criteria and apply for grants. The department shall submit a report to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Appropriations Committee, or their successors, describing the criteria developed pursuant to this section and detailing the amount of grants distributed and the names of the programs receiving grants. The department shall submit the report annually to both committees.
L.1993, c.229, s.2; amended 2001, c.199, s.40; 2012, c.17, s.128.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-170 - Findings, declarations relative to out-of-wedlock adolescent births.

26:2-170 Findings, declarations relative to out-of-wedlock adolescent births.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Out-of-wedlock adolescent births are a serious problem facing the State of New Jersey and the nation;
b. A large number of adolescents ages 10-19 are having children with approximately one million adolescents in the United States becoming pregnant each year;
c. Adolescent pregnancy has serious medical consequences, including the following: adolescents are less likely than older mothers to obtain prenatal care as only half of the pregnant adolescents in New Jersey receive early prenatal care; pregnant teenagers are at excess risk for anemia, cervical trauma, premature delivery, prolonged or abrupt labor and maternal mortality; and children of adolescent mothers are more likely to have low birth weight, require further hospitalization and die in infancy;
d. Out-of-wedlock adolescent pregnancy has serious social consequences, including the following: adolescent mothers are more likely to live in poverty, receive public assistance, be a high school dropout and be unemployed as nearly 75% of all single mothers under age 25 live in poverty, approximately half of all women receiving AFDC from 1976-1992 were or had been teenage mothers, only slightly more than half of adolescents who become mothers finish high school and children of adolescent mothers experience excess rates of dropping out of school, incarceration, depression, premature sexual activity and out-of-wedlock births. As of 1992, 84% of all births to mothers under the age of 20 in New Jersey were out-of-wedlock, the sixth highest rate in the country;
e. Out-of-wedlock adolescent pregnancy imposes large economic costs to federal, state and local governments;
f. There is a need for a permanent body to confront the issue of out-of-wedlock adolescent pregnancy and to review policy proposals, such as the findings and recommendations presented in the 1988 report of the New Jersey Task Force on Adolescent Pregnancy; and
g. It is therefore necessary to establish an advisory council to determine the best methods of coordination and improvement of the services of State and local governmental, private and voluntary agencies, community organizations, and schools which seek to serve adolescents at high risk of pregnancy, pregnant adolescents, adolescent parents, and their families.
L.1997,c.229,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-171 - Advisory Council on Adolescent Pregnancy.

26:2-171 Advisory Council on Adolescent Pregnancy.
2. a. There is established in the Executive Branch of the State Government an Advisory Council on Adolescent Pregnancy. For the purposes of complying with the provisions of Article V, Section IV, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, the advisory council is allocated within the Department of Health, but notwithstanding that allocation, the advisory council shall be independent of any supervision or control by the department or by any board or officer thereof.
b. The advisory council shall consist of 24 members as follows: the Commissioners of the Departments of Health, Human Services, Children and Families, Education, Community Affairs, and Labor and Workforce Development, who shall serve as ex officio members, and 18 public members, four of whom shall be teenagers, including two teenage parents and two teenagers who are not parents, and fourteen of whom shall be representatives of community based religious, health, and social service organizations which serve adolescents and health professionals and educators with recognized expertise in the field of adolescent pregnancy. Of the public members, three shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, no more than two of whom shall be of the same political party; three shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, no more than two of whom shall be of the same political party; and 12 shall be appointed by the Governor. Eight of the persons appointed by the Governor shall be appointed with the advice and consent of the Senate, no more than four of whom shall be of the same political party; and four of the persons appointed by the Governor shall be teenagers. The advisory council shall organize within 30 days after the appointment of its members. The members shall select one person from among them to serve as the chairperson and the members shall select a secretary, who need not be a member of the advisory council.
c. Each ex officio member may designate an employee of the member's department to represent the member at hearings of the advisory council. All designees may lawfully vote and otherwise act on behalf of the member for whom they constitute the designee.
d. Each public member shall be appointed for a term of three years, but of the members first appointed, six shall serve for a term of one year, six for a term of two years, and six for a term of three years. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
e. Members of the advisory council shall serve without compensation but, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it, shall be eligible for reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
f. The Department of Health shall provide such staff as the advisory council requests to carry out the purposes of this act.
L.1997, c.229, s.2; amended 2006, c.47, s.106; 2008, c.63; 2012, c.17, s.129.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-172 - Advisory council duties.

26:2-172 Advisory council duties.
3. It shall be the duty of the advisory council to:
a. Review past policy proposals, including those contained in the 1988 report of the New Jersey Task Force on Adolescent Pregnancy;
b. Develop policy proposals for the State to prevent adolescent pregnancy, reduce out-of-wedlock births among adolescents and improve services to at-risk, pregnant, and parenting adolescents;
c. Assist with and promote a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the social, economic, and health problems of adolescent pregnancy and parenthood among public and private groups;
d. Collect information on ongoing and new efforts aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancy and improving services to at-risk, pregnant, and parenting adolescents;
e. Promote and encourage broad community input, communication and education regarding adolescent pregnancy;
f. Provide advice to local public and private agencies and schools seeking to mobilize local efforts designed to prevent adolescent pregnancies and assist adolescent parents; and
g. Coordinate activities generated by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the Family Planning Program in the State Department of Health and Senior Services.
L.1997,c.229,s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-173 - Assistance, services available.

26:2-173 Assistance, services available.
4. The advisory council may call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the Legislature and officials and employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, task force, or agency as may be required and made available for its purposes. It may also, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it, incur travel and miscellaneous expenses necessary for the performance of its duties.
L.1997,c.229,s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-174 - Report to Governor, Legislature.

26:2-174 Report to Governor, Legislature.
5. The advisory council shall report to the Governor and the Legislature biannually, or more frequently if deemed appropriate, on its activities, findings and recommendations for legislation, administrative action or other methods for preventing adolescent pregnancy, reducing out-of-wedlock births among adolescents and improving services related to adolescent pregnancy.
L.1997,c.229,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-176 - Development of policies, procedures for care.

26:2-176 Development of policies, procedures for care.
2. The Commissioner of Health, in conjunction with the State Board of Medical Examiners and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, shall work with health care facilities and licensed health care professionals in the State to develop policies and procedures to achieve the following requirements concerning postpartum depression:
a. Physicians, nurse midwives, and other licensed health care professionals providing prenatal care to women shall provide education to women and their families about postpartum depression in order to lower the likelihood that new mothers will continue to suffer from this illness in silence;
b. All birthing facilities in the State shall provide departing new mothers and fathers and other family members, as appropriate, with complete information about postpartum depression, including its symptoms, methods of coping with the illness, and treatment resources;
c. Physicians, nurse midwives, and other licensed health care professionals providing postnatal care to women shall screen new mothers for postpartum depression symptoms prior to discharge from the birthing facility and at the first few postnatal check-up visits; and
d. Physicians, nurse midwives, and other licensed health care professionals providing prenatal and postnatal care to women shall include fathers and other family members, as appropriate, in both the education and treatment processes to help them better understand the nature and causes of postpartum depression so that they too can overcome the spillover effects of the illness and improve their ability to be supportive of the new mother.
L.2000, c.167, s.2; amended 2006, c.12; 2012, c.17, s.130.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-177 - Public awareness campaign.

26:2-177 Public awareness campaign.
3. The Commissioner of Health shall establish a public awareness campaign to inform the general public about the nature and causes of postpartum depression and its health implications, including its symptoms, methods of coping with the illness, and the most effective means of treatment.
L.2000, c.167, s.3; amended 2012, c.17, s.131.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-178 - Rules, regulations.

26:2-178 Rules, regulations.
4. The Commissioner of Health, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.2000, c.167, s.4; amended 2012, c.17, s.132.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-178.1 - Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, related services, access.

26:2-178.1 Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, related services, access.
1. a. The Department of Health shall develop and implement a plan to improve access to perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, referral, treatment, and support services.
b. The plan shall provide strategies to:
(1) increase awareness among mental health care service providers who treat women experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders with regard to the prevalence and effects of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders on women and children;
(2) establish a referral network of mental health care providers and support services for women who are in need of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder treatment;
(3) increase women's access to formal and informal peer support services, including access to certified peer specialists who have received training related to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders;
(4) raise public awareness for, and reduce the stigma related to, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders; and
(5) provide available funds to perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, referral, treatment, and support services.
L.2021, c.380.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-179 - Consumer's mercury alert notice, posting, distribution.

26:2-179 Consumer's mercury alert notice, posting, distribution.
1. The Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, shall prepare a consumer's mercury alert notice for posting in all patient areas of professional medical offices that provide gynecological, obstetrical, or pediatric care and in the patient or client areas of all maternal and child health and nutrition programs. The notice shall explain the danger to women who expect to become pregnant, women who are pregnant or breast feeding their children, and young children, of eating mercury contaminated fish. The notice shall summarize the State's and the federal government's most current mercury health advisories concerning fish consumption and shall contain such other information as the department deems appropriate. The notice also shall list any telephone number that may be established for State residents to call for further information about the health advisories.
The department shall distribute the notice, at no charge, to all professional medical offices that provide gynecological, obstetrical, or pediatric care and to all publicly funded maternal and child health and nutrition programs in the State. The department shall update the notice as necessary, and shall make additional copies of the notice available to health care providers upon request.
L.2003, c.174, s.1; amended 2012, c.17, s.133.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-180 - Findings, declarations relative to post-polio sequelae.

26:2-180 Findings, declarations relative to post-polio sequelae.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. There are estimated to be 1.63 million American polio survivors, 50,000 in New Jersey alone;
b. At least 70% of paralytic and 40% of non-paralytic polio survivors are developing post-polio sequelae, which consist of unexpected and often disabling symptoms, including overwhelming fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders, heightened sensitivity to anesthesia, cold and pain, and difficulty swallowing and breathing, and which occur 35 years after the initial poliovirus attack;
c. Post-polio sequelae can be treated and even prevented if polio survivors are taught to conserve energy and stop abusing poliovirus-damaged neurons, muscles and joints and are prescribed needed assistive devices;
d. Polio survivors have unique health problems, including sleep disorders, heightened sensitivity to anesthesia, cold and pain, and difficulty swallowing and breathing, which require special attention from medical professionals; and
e. It is in the public interest to make information about post-polio sequelae available to the general public through health care providers, so that polio survivors and their family members can learn about the various aspects of this condition.
L.2005,c.98,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-181 - Public awareness campaign relative to post-polio sequelae.

26:2-181 Public awareness campaign relative to post-polio sequelae.
2. The Commissioner of Health shall establish a public awareness campaign to inform the general public about post-polio sequelae, for which purpose the commissioner shall provide for the development of educational materials, in consultation with health care facilities and providers that have a demonstrated record of expertise and interest in this subject, which shall be made available to local boards of health, physicians, hospitals, and clinics for distribution to consumers.
L.2005, c.98, s.2; amended 2012, c.17, s.134.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-182 - "Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey."

26:2-182 "Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey."
1. a. There is established the "Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey" within the Department of Health.
b. The task force shall be comprised of the following members:
(1) the Commissioner of Health, or his designee, who shall serve ex officio; and
(2) no more than 20 public members to be appointed by the Governor, who shall include representatives from: the Public Health Council; the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research; the New Jersey Office on Minority and Multicultural Health; the Medical Society of New Jersey; academic medical centers and universities engaged in cancer education, research, and treatment; providers of cancer treatment and support services; pharmaceutical companies engaged in cancer research; community-based organizations and coalitions engaged in cancer outreach, education, and screening; and cancer survivors.
c. The public members shall serve for a term of one year. Vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
d. The task force shall organize as soon as may be practicable, but no later than the 30th day after the appointment of its members, and shall select a chairperson from among the public members. The chairperson shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the task force. The public members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
e. The Department of Health shall supply such staff and resources, including a person to serve as executive director of the task force, as the task force requires to carry out its duties.
f. The task force is entitled to the assistance and services of the employees of any State department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available to its for its purposes, and to incur traveling and other miscellaneous expenses necessary to perform its duties, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it for its purpose.
L.2005, c.280, s.1; amended 2012, c.17, s.135.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-183 - Duties of task force.

26:2-183 Duties of task force.
2. a. The task force shall:
(1) evaluate current trends in cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality, screening, diagnosis, and behaviors that increase risk;
(2) evaluate historic, current, and emerging cancer control strategies;
(3) establish cancer reduction goals, which shall seek to reduce mortality rates for breast, cervical, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer;
(4) establish specific goals for:
(a) reducing behavior that increases the risk of cancer, including behavior related to smoking and diet;
(b) reversing the present trend of annual increases in the rate of invasive melanoma;
(c) closing the gap in cancer mortality rates between the total population and minorities;
(d) increasing the use of screening tests for cancer, especially among elderly and minority populations; and
(e) increasing the percentage of cancers diagnosed at early stages;
(5) develop an integrated set of priority strategies that are necessary to achieve the goals established pursuant to this act; and
(6) delineate the respective roles and responsibilities for the State and other entities in implementing the priority strategies identified pursuant to this act.
b. (1) The task force shall report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Health, and the Legislature on its findings, recommendations, and activities at least biennially.
(2) In addition, the cervical cancer workgroup, which the task force shall establish in addition to such other workgroups as it deems appropriate, shall report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Health, and the Legislature at least biennially on its findings and recommendations regarding strategies and actions to reduce the occurrence of, and burdens suffered from, cervical cancer, along with any legislative bills that it desires to recommend for adoption by the Legislature.
L.2005, c.280, s.2; amended 2012, c.17, s.136.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-184 - Task force established by E.O.114 continued as this task force.

26:2-184 Task force established by E.O.114 continued as this task force.
3. The task force established pursuant to Executive Order No. 114 of 2000, together with its functions, powers, duties, and workgroups, is continued in the Department of Health as the "Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey" established pursuant to this act.
L.2005, c.280, s.3; amended 2012, c.17, s.137.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-184.1 - Findings, declarations relative to an ovarian cancer public awareness campaign.

26:2-184.1 Findings, declarations relative to an ovarian cancer public awareness campaign.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system; it ranks fourth as a cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States;
b. In the United States, from 1993 to 1997, the rate of new cases of ovarian cancer was 14.6 and the rate of mortality from ovarian cancer was 7.3 for every 100,000 women; in New Jersey, during the same period, the rate of new cases of ovarian cancer was 16.1 and the rate of mortality was 8.6 for every 100,000 women;
c. When ovarian cancer is found and treated in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is 95%; however, most women who suffer from ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until the later stages of the cancer when the disease has spread and the five-year survival rate decreases to 30%;
d. More than half of the deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women between the ages of 55 and 74 years of age and approximately one quarter of ovarian cancer deaths occur in women between 35 and 54 years of age;
e. Because early detection and treatment often mean the difference between life and death, it is important to increase awareness of the factors that put certain women at a higher risk for the disease: increased age; having a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, colon or other gastrointestinal cancers; and bearing no children;
f. The symptoms of ovarian cancer include: general abdominal discomfort or pain, such as gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating or cramps; nausea, diarrhea, constipation or frequent urination; loss of appetite; feeling of fullness after a light meal; weight gain or loss with no known reason; and abnormal bleeding from the vagina;
g. Because these symptoms are vague and non-specific, women and their physicians often attribute them to more common conditions so that by the time the cancer is diagnosed the tumor has often spread beyond the ovaries; and
h. Although development of a screening test to detect ovarian cancer remains a very active area of research, currently there is no definitive prevention strategy, but having regular pelvic examinations may decrease the overall risk of dying from ovarian cancer.
L.2011, c.155, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-184.2 - Establishment of public awareness campaign.

26:2-184.2 Establishment of public awareness campaign.
2. a. The Commissioner of Health shall establish a public awareness campaign to inform the general public about the clinical significance of ovarian cancer and its public health implications. The campaign shall include, at a minimum, risk factors, symptoms, the need for early detection, and methods of treatment.
b. The commissioner shall, at a minimum:
(1) provide for the development of printed educational materials and public service announcements in English and Spanish; and
(2) disseminate information for distribution to the public, through a variety of entities, including, but not limited to, local health agencies and clinics, physicians, health care facilities, county offices on aging, pharmacies, libraries, senior citizen centers, other community-based outreach programs and organizations, and the Department of Health's official website.
L.2011, c.155, s.2; amended 2012, c.17, s.138.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-184.3 - Information included in mammography report.

26:2-184.3 Information included in mammography report.
10. A facility that provides a mammography report pursuant to the federal Mammography Quality Standards Act, 42 U.S.C. s.263b, shall include the following information, at a minimum, in the mammography report sent to the patient and the patient's health care provider: "Your mammogram may show that you have dense breast tissue as determined by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System established by the American College of Radiology. Dense breast tissue is very common and is not abnormal. However, in some cases, dense breast tissue can make it harder to find cancer on a mammogram and may also be associated with a risk factor for breast cancer. Discuss this and other risks for breast cancer that pertain to your personal medical history with your health care provider. A report of your results was sent to your health care provider. You may also find more information about breast density at the website of the American College of Radiology, www.acr.org."
L.2013, c.196, s.10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-184.4 - Purpose of information required.

26:2-184.4 Purpose of information required.
11. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the provisions of section 10 of P.L.2013, c.196 (C.26:2-184.3) shall not impose a standard of care obligation upon a patient's health care provider. The information required to be provided by section 10 of P.L.2013, c.196 (C.26:2-184.3) is intended to increase awareness of breast cancer and help facilitate a conversation between a patient and a patient's health care provider regarding the patient's risks for breast cancer.
L.2013, c.196, s.11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-184.5 - Rules, regulations.

26:2-184.5 Rules, regulations.
12. The Commissioner of Health, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of sections 10 and 11 of P.L.2013, c.196 (C.26:2-184.3 and C.26:2-184.4).
L.2013, c.196, s.12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-185 - Findings, declarations relative to reporting autism spectrum disorder diagnoses.

26:2-185 Findings, declarations relative to reporting autism spectrum disorder diagnoses.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. An autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder of brain function which is typically manifested in impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and imagination, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. These symptoms generally appear during the first three years of childhood and continue throughout life, often taking devastating emotional and financial tolls on the family of the child or adult with an autism spectrum disorder;
b. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, one of every 94 children in this State has an autism spectrum disorder, which is the highest rate among the states examined by the CDC in the most comprehensive study of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders to date;
c. There is a clear need for greater accuracy in reporting as well as for information on the epidemiologic data on the incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in this State; and
d. The State currently requires that a number of other conditions, including cancer and certain birth defects, be reported and maintained in a central registry. A similar requirement for reporting diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, as well as providing for the inclusion on a voluntary basis of information about adults with an autism spectrum disorder who opt to be included in a registry of that information, and maintaining such a registry is needed to improve current knowledge and understanding of autism spectrum disorders, to conduct thorough and complete epidemiologic surveys of these disorders, to enable analysis of this problem, and to plan for and provide services to children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder and their families.
L.2007, c.170, s.1; amended 2009, c.204, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-186 - Reporting diagnosis to Department of Health.

26:2-186 Reporting diagnosis to Department of Health.
2. a. A physician, psychologist, and any other health care professional licensed pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes who is qualified by training to make the diagnosis and who then makes the diagnosis that a child has an autism spectrum disorder shall report this diagnosis to the Department of Health in a form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Health.
b. The report shall be in writing and shall include the name and address of the person submitting the report, the name, age, place of birth, and address of the child diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder, and other pertinent information as may be required by the commissioner; except that, if the child's parent or guardian objects to the reporting of the child's diagnosis for any reason, the report shall not include any information that could be used to identify the child.
c. The commissioner shall specify procedures for the health care professional to inform the child's parent or guardian of the requirements of subsections a. and b. of this section and the purpose served by including this information in the registry established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2007, c.170 (C.26:2-187), as well as the parent's or guardian's right to refuse to permit the reporting of any information that could be used to identify the child.
L.2007, c.170, s.2; amended 2009, c.204, s.3; 2012, c.17, s.139.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-186.1 - Reporting adult diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

26:2-186.1 Reporting adult diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
4. a. An adult who has been diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder by a physician, psychologist, or any other health care professional licensed pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes who is qualified by training to make the diagnosis, and whose diagnosis has not been reported pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2007, c.170 (C.26:2-186), may, at his discretion, report this diagnosis, or request that a health care professional on his behalf report this diagnosis, to the Department of Health in a form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Health.
b. The report shall be in writing and shall include the name and address of the person submitting the report, the name, age, place of birth, and address of the adult diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder, and other pertinent information as may be required by the commissioner.
c. The commissioner shall specify procedures for the health care professional to inform the adult of the provisions of subsections a. and b. of this section and the purpose served by including this information in the registry established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2007, c.170 (C.26:2-187).
L.2009, c.204, s.4; amended 2012, c.17, s.140.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-187 - Maintenance of up-to-date registry.

26:2-187 Maintenance of up-to-date registry.
3. The Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, shall maintain an up-to-date registry which shall include a record of: all reported cases of an autism spectrum disorder that occur in New Jersey, including those reported pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2007, c.170 (C.26:2-186) and section 4 of P.L.2009, c.204 (C.26:2-186.1); each reported case of an autism spectrum disorder that occurs in New Jersey in which the initial diagnosis is changed, lost, or considered misdiagnosed; and any other information it deems relevant and appropriate in order to conduct thorough and complete epidemiologic surveys of autism spectrum disorders, to enable analysis of this problem and to plan for and provide services to children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder and their families.
L.2007, c.170, s.3; amended 2009, c.204, s.5; 2012, c.17, s.141.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-188 - Use of reports; immunity for professionals.

26:2-188 Use of reports; immunity for professionals.
4. a. The reports made pursuant to P.L.2007, c.170 (C.26:2-185 et seq.) and section 4 of P.L.2009, c.204 (C.26:2-186.1) are to be used only by the Department of Health and other agencies as may be designated by the Commissioner of Health, including the Department of Human Services, and shall not otherwise be divulged or made public so as to disclose the identity of any person to whom they relate; and, to that end, the reports shall not be included under materials available to public inspections pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) or P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.).
b. A physician, psychologist, or health care professional providing information to the department in accordance with P.L.2007, c.170 (C.26:2-185 et seq.) or section 4 of P.L.2009, c.204 (C.26:2-186.1) shall not be deemed to be, or held liable for, divulging confidential information.
c. Nothing in P.L.2007, c.170 (C.26:2-185 et seq.) or section 4 of P.L.2009, c.204 (C.26:2-186.1) shall be construed to compel a child or adult who has been reported as having an autism spectrum disorder to submit to medical or health examination or supervision by the department.
L.2007, c.170, s.4; amended 2009, c.204, s.6; 2012, c.17, s.142.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-189 - Findings, declarations relative to autism, intellectual developmental disabilities awareness for first responders.

26:2-189 Findings, declarations relative to autism, intellectual developmental disabilities awareness for first responders.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Autism is a developmental disorder of brain function which is typically manifested in impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and imagination, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. These symptoms generally appear during the first three years of childhood and continue throughout life;
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, one of every 94 children in this State has autism, which is the highest rate among the states examined by the CDC in the most comprehensive study of the prevalence of autism to date.
b. In addition to those diagnosed with autism every year, there are an estimated 4.5 million individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities living in the United States, including approximately 200,000 individuals in New Jersey.
Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental or physical impairments which are manifested in problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person's lifetime.
Intellectual disability is characterized both by a significantly below-average score on a test of mental ability or intelligence and by limitations in the ability to function in areas of daily life, such as communication, self-care, and getting along in social situations and school activities. Intellectual disability is sometimes referred to as a cognitive disability or mental retardation. Intellectual disabilities include, but are not limited to, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Cri-du-chat syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, as well as infections such as congenital cytomegalovirus or birth defects that affect the brain such as hydrocephalus or cortical atrophy. Other causes of intellectual disability include serious head injury, stroke or certain infections such as meningitis; and
c. Firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and police officers may unexpectedly encounter or be asked to locate a person diagnosed with autism or an intellectual or other developmental disability. Given the high number of individuals affected by these disabilities, it is altogether fitting and proper to ensure that emergency responders are uniformly trained in recognizing the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of a child or adult with one or more of these disabilities, and are educated in the high risks associated with these disabilities as well as basic response techniques.
L.2008, c.80, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-190 - Development of training curriculum; rules, regulations.

26:2-190 Development of training curriculum; rules, regulations.
2. a. The Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the New Jersey Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute and the New Jersey State First Aid Council, shall develop a training curriculum with the purpose of informing emergency responders of the risks associated with autism or an intellectual or other developmental disability, as well as providing instruction in appropriate recognition and response techniques concerning these disabilities. The curriculum shall be incorporated into existing time requirements for training and continuing education of emergency responders.
b. Prior to certification by the Department of Health, each emergency medical technician trained in basic life support services as defined in section 1 of P.L.1985, c.351 (C.26:2K-21) shall be required to satisfactorily complete the training developed under subsection a. of this section. Every emergency medical technician certified prior to the effective date of this act shall, within 36 months of the effective date of this act, satisfactorily complete the training in recognition and response techniques concerning these disabilities, through existing continuing education requirements.
c. The Commissioner of Health shall adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.2008, c.80, s.2; amended 2012, c.17, s.143.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 26 - Health and Vital Statistics › Section 26:2-191 - Annual physical examination of child, questions relative to cardiac health required.

26:2-191 Annual physical examination of child, questions relative to cardiac health required.
1. A licensed health care professional who performs an annual physical examination of a child 19 years of age or younger shall include as part of that examination questions that evaluate a child's family history related to cardiac conditions contained in the "Preparticipation Physical Evaluation" form developed jointly by the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine.
L.2015, c.37, s.1.