Relates to the definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 12 co-sponsors

Bill A 1388 mandates health care providers to screen for intimate partner violence and protects victims' medical records, enhancing their safety and access to resources.

SUBSTITUTED BY S3179

Bill Information

Bill Number: A 1388

Title: Requires certain providers to perform intimate partner violence screenings and all health care professionals to take certain actions to prevent perpetrators of intimate partner violence from obtaining copies of victim's medical record.

Status: Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee

Introduced: January 09, 2024

Classification: Bill

Subject: Domestic Violence, Health Professionals

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1388 aims to enhance the protection of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) by mandating health care providers to conduct screenings for IPV and ensuring that victims have control over the disclosure of their medical records. The bill seeks to create a safer environment for victims within the healthcare system and provide them with necessary resources and referrals for support.

Key Provisions

Screening Requirements:

Health care providers, including licensed physicians, advanced practice nurses, and midwives, are required to conduct periodic IPV screenings for patients.
Screenings must follow nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines and be documented in the patient's medical record.

Private Screening Environment:

Screenings must occur in a private area, which can include telemedicine options or self-administered screenings.

Resource Provision:

If a provider identifies a patient as a potential victim of IPV, they must provide:
- A list of local resources and services for IPV victims.
- Referrals to other health care providers as necessary.

Medical Record Privacy:

Health care professionals must ensure that patients reapprove the list of individuals authorized to access their medical records if IPV is suspected.
Patients can remove alleged perpetrators from this list to prevent them from accessing their medical records.

Regulatory Framework:

The Commissioners of Children and Families and Health will develop rules and regulations to implement the bill's provisions.

Who Would Be Affected

Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: The bill directly benefits individuals who may be victims of IPV by providing them with screenings, resources, and control over their medical records.

Health Care Providers: Physicians, nurses, and midwives will be required to integrate IPV screenings into their practices and adhere to new documentation and privacy protocols.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced on January 09, 2024, and is currently under review by the Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee.

The bill is set to take effect on the first day of the fourth month following its enactment, with anticipatory administrative actions allowed prior to this date.

Related Legislation

S 2006: This bill has a companion in the Senate, indicating a parallel effort to address the same issues at the legislative level.

This summary provides an overview of Bill A 1388, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the impact it aims to have on victims of intimate partner violence and health care professionals in New Jersey.

Bill