Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.
Impact
The implications of S1449 are significant as it supplements existing healthcare laws in New Jersey. By explicitly requiring hospitals to inform patients about reconstructive surgery options, the bill enhances patient autonomy and access to necessary medical services. Additionally, managed care plan contracts are affected as carriers are prohibited from denying authorizations for reconstructive surgery based on a plastic surgeon’s network status, thereby expanding the choices available to patients and ensuring they are not limited by insurance provisions.
Summary
Bill S1449 is aimed at improving the rights of breast cancer patients by mandating that general hospitals provide pertinent information regarding reconstructive surgery options. Specifically, the bill ensures that patients receive written notice of their right to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon of their choice who can provide reconstructive services related to breast cancer treatment. This notice must be delivered upon diagnosis and before surgical consent is obtained, thus empowering patients to be informed and make educated decisions regarding their treatment options.
Contention
While S1449 promotes patient empowerment, it may face challenges concerning the compliance costs imposed on hospitals and managed care providers. Critics may argue that enforcing such regulations could lead to increased operational burdens on healthcare facilities. Furthermore, there may also be resistance concerning how managed care organizations adapt to new rules regarding recommendations and referrals, which could lead to debates about the economics of healthcare and insurance services.
Same As
Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.
Carry Over
Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.
Carry Over
Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.
Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.
Requires hospitals to provide breast cancer patients with information concerning reconstructive surgery; prohibits certain provisions in managed care plan contracts.
Requires that general hospitals that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection or lumpectomy provide information to such patients concerning options for breast reconstruction.
Requires that general hospitals that provide mastectomy surgery, lymph node dissection or lumpectomy provide information to such patients concerning options for breast reconstruction.
To Mandate Coverage For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries; To Require Prior Authorization For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries; And To Establish A Minimum Reimbursement Rate For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries.
Creation of a State Debt – Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, and the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loans of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025