Requires DOH to conduct survey on status of antenatal and prenatal care clinics in New Jersey.
Impact
The findings from this survey are intended to inform policy decisions related to the Certificate of Need (CON) program, which regulates the establishment of new health facilities and services. By identifying gaps and barriers in the provision of antenatal and prenatal care, particularly for low and moderate-income women, the bill aims to improve access and quality of care. The results could serve as a basis for developing new programs and resources tailored to enhance maternal healthcare services in New Jersey.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1995 mandates the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to conduct a comprehensive survey and analysis of antenatal and prenatal care clinics across the state. The primary objective of this survey is to evaluate the effectiveness of maternity, antenatal, and prenatal care services provided to pregnant women in New Jersey. This includes collecting data from all active and recently closed clinics within the last two years, thereby aiming to assess the overall landscape of maternal healthcare services available in the state.
Contention
A notable aspect of the bill is its focus on demographic data collection, which aims to illuminate disparities in care associated with economic and accessibility factors. The analysis will help understand potential inequities in healthcare access among different population groups. There may be contention regarding privacy and data handling concerns, as the bill specifies that any published data must exclude personal identifying information, ensuring that patient confidentiality is maintained throughout the survey process.
Modifies languages that examinations are to be conducted in for applicants seeking professional license issued by New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
Requires DOH to establish public awareness campaign and develop policies and procedures to promote recognition and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Makes $250,000 supplemental appropriation to New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders for pediatric clinical services at Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University.
Requires calculation of national average time needed to approve applications for initial credential in profession or occupation and use of average time as standard in New Jersey.