TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would designate Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center as the State’s specialty acute care children’s hospitals for Monmouth and Ocean counties was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 38-0.
“Both of these health care institutions have distinguished themselves above and beyond, with expert child care services offered to the residents of the Jersey Shore,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “With the added designation as a specialty acute care children’s hospital, Jersey Shore Medical and Monmouth Medical can now provide comprehensive children’s health care, and administer to every facet of children’s health. By recognizing Jersey Shore Medical and Monmouth Medical, we are putting the best in child health care right in the backyards of Monmouth and Ocean County residents.”
The bill, S-1609, would require the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services to designate Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center as the State’s specialty acute care children’s hospitals for Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The designations are subject to the agreement from a majority of the other acute care hospitals serving Monmouth and Ocean, and verification of the proper licensing requirements for the hospitals by the Department of Health. Designation as a specialty acute care children’s hospital allows the hospitals to provide patient care services that other hospitals in the area may not be equipped to provide.
“Monmouth Medical and Jersey Shore Medical have proven that they are the best of the best in terms of children’s health in Monmouth and Ocean,” said Senator Karcher. “With the Commissioner’s designation as specialty acute care children’s hospitals, we’re finally recognizing both of these fine institutions for their expert staff and quality health care. The residents of Monmouth and Ocean can continue to expect the topnotch children’s health care services that they’ve come to expect from these Monmouth and Jersey Shore Medical Centers.”
The bill was approved by the Assembly in March by a vote of 77-0, and now heads to the Governor to be signed into law.