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Bill

A 4832

"Parkinson's Disease Public Awareness and Education Act."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Quijano

Create a state-run Parkinson’s disease public awareness and education program to inform the public and professionals, improve detection, treatment options, and safety.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4832

Summary of Bill A-4832 (Session 222) — Parkinson's Disease Public Awareness and Education Act

Jurisdiction: New Jersey

Status: Introduced May 4, 2026; referred to Assembly Health Committee

Purpose
- Establish a state-supported public awareness and education program on Parkinson’s disease (PD) to promote understanding, early detection, treatment options, and safety for patients and their caregivers.
- The program is designed to improve recognition of PD by health care professionals and other public-safety and service-related personnel, and to provide accessible information to the public.

Key Provisions

1) Establishment and Scope
- Creates a Parkinson’s disease public awareness and education program within the Department of Health (DOH), subject to available appropriations.
- The program is intended to promote public awareness of PD, early detection, and the benefits/risks of treatments.

2) Program Components
- Public Education and Outreach Campaign:
- Topics include: cause/nature of PD, diagnostic procedures and appropriate indications for their use, lifestyle considerations (nutrition, exercise), environmental safety and injury prevention, and availability of local diagnostic and treatment services.
- Educational Materials:
- Development and distribution of consumer-facing materials through local boards of health, physicians, hospitals, and clinics.
- Professional Education for Health Care Providers:
- Programs to help providers understand PD research findings and the topics listed above.
- Education for Other Sector Personnel:
- Training for judicial staff, police, fire fighters, social services, and emergency medical service providers to recognize PD symptoms and respond appropriately, including dissemination of the informational booklet produced under the act.
- Provider Directory:
- Creation and maintenance of a list of current PD diagnostic and treatment providers.
- Dissemination of the directory with descriptions of diagnostic procedures and indications, plus a cautionary statement about the current status of PD research and treatment.
- The statement must clarify that the DOH does not endorse specific PD programs or centers in New Jersey.

3) Information for the Public
- The DOH, in consultation with:
- New Jersey Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association
- Movement Disorders Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Group, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Must prepare PD information (symptoms, treatment, and other necessary information) and post it on the DOH website in:
- English and Spanish
- A format easily understandable by patients and non-healthcare laypersons
- Information may be updated as new PD knowledge becomes available.

4) Administrative and Rulemaking
- The DOH may adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act.

5) Effective Date
- The act takes effect 180 days after enactment.
- The Commissioner may take anticipatory administrative actions as necessary to implement the act beforehand.

Definitions
- Commissioner: Commissioner of Health
- Department: New Jersey Department of Health
- Program: The Parkinson’s disease public awareness and education program established by the act

Context and Rationale

  • The bill emphasizes PD as a debilitating, incurable neurological condition with diverse symptoms and significant impact on patients, caregivers, and the broader system (healthcare, judiciary, public safety).
  • It notes the public’s frequent confusion between PD symptoms and aging, as well as misinterpretations that can affect treatment and interactions with law enforcement or services.
  • The legislation leverages New Jersey’s research ecosystem and existing federal/policy references to position the state as a hub for PD awareness, education, and access to information.

Potential Impacts

  • Public: Increased awareness of PD symptoms, diagnostic processes, and care options; better safety and support for patients and caregivers.
  • Healthcare and Public Safety: Enhanced training for a broad range of professionals to recognize PD and respond appropriately.
  • Providers: Access to a centralized directory and educational resources to improve PD care coordination.
  • State Operations: Allocation of funding and development of a DOH-run program, with potential collaboration from major PD organizations and academic centers.

Notes

  • Funding is contingent on appropriations; the program’s scale will depend on available resources.
  • The bill requires collaboration with specific PD organizations and medical centers to develop content and ensure accuracy.

This summary reflects the bill’s main aims, structural provisions, and potential effects on state agencies, professionals, and the public.

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

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