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Bill

A 948

Requires DOH to conduct survey on status of antenatal and prenatal care clinics in New Jersey.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Andrea Katz and 4 co-sponsors

The bill requires the DOH to survey all antenatal and prenatal clinics, including closed ones, to assess access and disparities and to inform policy and programs with a public repo

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · A 948

Summary of Bill A 948 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Title

Requires the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct a survey and analysis of antenatal and prenatal care clinics in New Jersey and report findings and recommendations.

Purpose and Intent

  • To evaluate the effectiveness, availability, and accessibility of maternity, antenatal, and prenatal care services across the state.
  • To inform policy related to certificate of need requirements for closures or service reductions in antenatal/prenatal clinics.
  • To identify where low- and moderate-income pregnant women receive care and to gather demographic and socioeconomic data to understand disparities.

Key Provisions

Section 1: DOH Survey and Analysis

  • The DOH must conduct a comprehensive survey of antenatal and prenatal care clinics in New Jersey.
  • The survey must include data from all clinics, including those that closed or substantially reduced services or beds within the two years preceding the act’s effective date.
  • Purposes of the survey:
    1. Inform certificate of need policy (N.J.S.A. on health facility siting and closure) regarding closures or discontinuance of services.
    2. Assess clinic availability and capacity to provide maternity, antenatal, and prenatal care.
    3. Identify where low- and moderate-income pregnant women receive care.
    4. Collect cultural, demographic, and socioeconomic background data on the pregnant women served.
  • Data analysis objectives:
    • Identify local and statewide trends and disparities in care provision and accessibility.
    • Develop programs, resources, and strategies to improve access to and quality of maternity, antenatal, and prenatal services.
  • Administrative details:
    • The commissioner may contract with a third-party entity to administer the survey, review data, and produce the required report.
    • Data made publicly available on the DOH website in a user-friendly format.
    • A report to the Legislature is due no later than 18 months after the act’s effective date, including recommendations for legislation or other appropriate action.
    • Personal identifying information or confidential patient information must not be disclosed.

Section 1(e): Definitions

  • An "antenatal and prenatal care clinic" means any licensed inpatient or ambulatory health care facility providing maternity, antenatal, and prenatal care services.

Section 2: Rulemaking

  • The Commissioner of Health must promulgate regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act.

Section 3: Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Effective Date: Immediate.
  • Reporting Deadline: The Department must submit the legislatively required report within 18 months of the act’s effective date.
  • Rulemaking: DOH to adopt regulations to implement provisions (per Section 2).

Expected Impact

  • Enhanced understanding of the current landscape of antenatal and prenatal care services across New Jersey, including clinic closures and service reductions.
  • Data-driven insight into where pregnant women (especially low- and moderate-income) access care, and potential barriers to access.
  • Informed policy discussions regarding certificate of need and oversight of maternity/antenatal/prenatal clinics.
  • Basis for targeted programs and resources to improve access and quality of care statewide.
  • Increased transparency through public access to survey data (while safeguarding personal information).

Stakeholders Affected

  • Pregnant women and families (especially those with low to moderate income).
  • Antenatal and prenatal care clinics and health facilities (including those that closed or reduced services in the prior two years).
  • Department of Health and state policymakers and legislators.
  • Potential third-party contractors engaged to conduct the survey and analyze data.

Summary

Bill A 948 directs the New Jersey Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive survey of all antenatal and prenatal care clinics, including recently closed facilities, to evaluate service availability, identify access disparities, and understand the care landscape for pregnant women. The act aims to inform certificate-of-need policy, guide future programs, and improve overall access and quality of maternity-related care. A public report with recommendations is due within 18 months, and the DOH will provide regulatory framework to implement the provisions.

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

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