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Bill

S 4450

Requires notification to patients when State-licensed physician has credential revoked or suspended and provides access to contact information with State.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shirley Turner

New Jersey bill requires patients be notified when their physician's state license is revoked or suspended, and grants access to state contact information about physician credentials.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4450

Legislative bill overview

S 4450 mandates that patients must be notified when their treating physician's license is revoked or suspended by the state. The bill also requires the State to provide patients with contact information so they can access relevant details about their physician's credential status through official state channels.

Why is this important

Patients rely on the assumption that their physicians maintain valid licenses and good standing. Currently, patients may be unaware if their doctor's license has been compromised, potentially exposing them to continued treatment by practitioners who are no longer authorized to practice. This transparency mechanism aims to protect patient safety and informed decision-making about their medical care.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and cost: Healthcare providers and the state medical board would need to establish systems to identify, locate, and notify all affected patients—a potentially expensive undertaking for practices with large patient populations
  • Timing and practicality issues: Determining when notification occurs (immediately upon suspension vs. after due process), identifying current contact information for patients, and managing logistical challenges of mass notifications could create implementation difficulties
  • Privacy and scope concerns: The bill's language regarding "access to contact information with the State" raises questions about what physician information is disclosed, how it's presented, and potential privacy implications for physicians undergoing investigation or facing temporary suspensions that may be appealed

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

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