WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 2197

Establishes Women's Menstrual Health Program to identify and assist patients with symptoms related to endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 7 co-sponsors

Establishes a New Jersey program to identify, educate, and refer patients with endometriosis or PCOS symptoms for early detection and care.

Reported out of Asm. Comm. with Amendments, and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2197

Bill Summary: A-2197 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Title

Establishes Women’s Menstrual Health Program to identify and assist patients with symptoms related to endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a formal program within the New Jersey Department of Health (the “Women’s Menstrual Health Program”) to identify and assist individuals displaying symptoms of menstrual disorders, specifically endometriosis and PCOS.
  • Improve early identification, screening, education, and referral/tollow-up care to address the health risks and impacts associated with these conditions.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition

    • Endometriosis is defined as a systemic disease that can occur in menstruating individuals and may also affect pre-menarcheal and post-menopausal individuals.

  2. Findings and Justification

    • Endometriosis affects an estimated portion of U.S. women (cited data: over 11% of women aged 15–44, about 6.5 million nationally).
    • Endometriosis symptoms frequently include severe pelvic pain and may involve ovarian cysts (endometriomas), adhesions, infertility, and other symptoms.
    • PCOS affects 6–12% of women of reproductive age (up to ~5 million in the U.S.), with lifelong health implications including increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, sleep apnea, depression/anxiety, and potential infertility.
    • Given the health risks and prevalence, the bill argues for a state program to identify and assist patients with menstrual-disorder symptoms.

  3. Establishment of the Women’s Menstrual Health Program (Section 3)

    • The Commissioner of Health must establish the program within the Department of Health.
    • The program must operate in alignment with evidence-based practices and guidelines from recognized bodies (e.g., American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or other nationally designated bodies).

  4. Program Activities (Section 3)

    • Education and Training:
      • Provide education and training to health care providers, hospital staff who encounter patients in emergent situations, and the public on menstrual health, screening, and care.
    • Information and Resources:
      • Offer on the Department of Health’s website information and resources for providers and patients, including:
      • Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for screening, referral, treatment, and follow-up care for patients with menstrual-disorder symptoms.
      • Educational materials about menstrual disorders and related conditions.

  5. Rulemaking (Section 4)

    • The Department of Health may adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the act under the Administrative Procedure Act.

  6. Effective Date (Section 5)

    • The act takes effect on the 30th day after enactment.
    • The Commissioner of Health may take anticipatory action before the effective date as needed for implementation.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Individuals experiencing symptoms related to endometriosis and PCOS who may be identified and assisted by the program.
  • Secondary: Health care providers, hospital staff, and public health workers who will receive education/training; patients and public who will access resources via the state website.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and committee referrals in 2026; introduced January 13, 2026, with amendments and reporting out of the Assembly committee on May 4, 2026.
  • Enactment timeline: The bill would become law 30 days after enactment; the Department may begin preparatory actions before that date if needed.

Sponsors

  • Prime and co-sponsors include multiple assembly members: Linda Carter, Shanique Speight, Vicky Flynn, Gerry Scharfenberger, Eliana Pintor Marin, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Tennille McCoy, and Ellen Park.

Potential Impact and Significance

  • Establishes a centralized state effort to address endometriosis and PCOS through standardized screening, education, and dissemination of best-practice guidelines.
  • Could improve early detection, referral pathways, and patient awareness, potentially reducing delays in diagnosis and improving outcomes.
  • Creates a framework for ongoing provider training and public information, leveraging existing national guidelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.