Requires hospital laboratories and bio-analytical or clinical laboratories to offer test for hepatitis C to certain individuals; authorizes certain laboratories to perform rapid tests for hepatitis C.

This bill requires hospitals and clinical laboratories in New Jersey to offer hepatitis C screening tests to patients born between 1945 and 1965 during outpatient visits. It mandates that staff provide a verbal and written explanation of CDC recommendations and offer the test at registration, with positive results requiring follow-up contact. Laboratories must perform the test if consented to, and insurers must cover the cost at in-network rates without charging the patient beyond standard copays. The law aims to increase early detection among a high-risk age group, with the health commissioner required to report on its impact within one year.