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TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale, to clarify minors’ rights to consent to testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS, received final Legislative approval today in the Assembly by a vote 54-18-4.

“For many teens the decision to have sex does not include the use of protection or testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),” said Senator Vitale, Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “Sexually active, or sexually abused minors need to get testing and treatment for diseases like HIV/AIDS and by allowing teens to do so confidentially, we are able to help them feel comfortable enough to do so.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale, to clarify minors’ rights to consent to medical treatment for STDs and HIV/AIDS, was approved by the full Senate today.

“Health care providers sometimes have a difficult time providing medical care to minors because the rules about consent can hinder teens from coming forward to receive medical treatment,” said Senator Vitale, Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “By lowering the minimum age for confidential consent to medical treatment to 13 years old, we are allowing for more minors to feel comfortable getting necessary treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. The bill gives doctors the opportunity to do their job and make New Jerseyans healthy.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale, to clarify minors’ rights to consent to medical or surgical care, was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.

“Health care professionals work hard every day to provide the best possible care to minors, but often the rules about their consent prohibits teens from getting necessary medical treatment,” said Senator Vitale, Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “There is currently a law that says minors can consent to treatment, but this bill would set the minimum age for consent at 13 years old.