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Bill

S 373

Requires hospitals to notify family of patient release following drug overdose.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Burgess and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill requires hospitals to notify patients' family members when discharging overdose survivors to improve post-discharge care and recovery support.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 373

Legislative bill overview

S 373 mandates that hospitals notify a patient's family members when the patient is discharged following treatment for a drug overdose. The bill creates a legal requirement for healthcare facilities to make reasonable efforts to contact designated family members or emergency contacts before or shortly after a patient's release.

Why is this important

Drug overdose deaths remain a significant public health crisis, and post-discharge support systems are critical for recovery outcomes. Family notification can facilitate continuity of care, enable intervention during vulnerable periods, and potentially reduce readmission rates or fatal relapses. This addresses a care coordination gap where patients may be discharged without adequate support networks being informed.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient autonomy and consent: Questions about whether hospitals should be required to breach a patient's privacy/discharge wishes to contact family members, particularly for adults who may not want their overdose known to relatives
  • Implementation burden: Hospitals may face challenges locating updated family contact information and managing attempts to reach family members, potentially straining already-stretched emergency and discharge departments
  • Liability concerns: Ambiguity about hospital responsibility if family notification fails, doesn't prevent harm, or if notification creates safety risks (e.g., abusive family situations)

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

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