S1757

TRENTON – Five bills sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale aimed at improving Statewide health care programs, protecting against fraud and streamlining services were signed into law by the Governor over the weekend.

“Without constant scrutiny and adaptation, New Jersey’s health care safety net would collapse under its own weight,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “These five measures each address a necessary piece of reform in the State’s response to the medical needs of its citizens. These new laws will ensure a healthier tomorrow for the State’s residents, and a strong health care infrastructure for future generations of New Jerseyans.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would authorize certain persons to give surrogate informed consent to medical research for a family member who is not able to give that consent was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 33-1.

“In many cases, drug trials and experimental medical procedures offer a patient’s best hope of recovery,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “However, many of these treatments are offered on a limited basis, and if a patient cannot provide consent, they might lose out on the opportunity to participate. This bill allows for family consent in certain cases, so that patients don’t miss out on life-saving procedures.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Barbara Buono and Joseph Vitale which would authorize certain persons to give surrogate informed consent for a family member who is not able to give that consent was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today by a vote of 8-0, with 2 abstentions.

“Often times, a patient’s medical condition may make them unable to provide informed consent for experimental treatments which may be the key to their recovery,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “Drug trials and medical research have an important impact on our collective medical understanding, but they can also be a patient’s last hope for a cure. When a patient cannot give informed consent, family members or authorized representatives who know the wishes of the patient should be empowered to make that decision for their loved one.”