Healthcare (Primary Care)

This bill establishes a new "Graduate Physician" license for medical school graduates who haven't completed residency training. It allows these individuals to provide primary care services only in medically underserved areas under the supervision of a collaborating physician, as defined by the act. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements (e.g., passing certain exams, no criminal history) and practice under a written collaborative agreement. The license does not permit independent practice and requires clear identification as a "graduate physician" in clinical records. This directly affects new medical graduates seeking early practice opportunities and physicians who would supervise them in underserved communities.

This bill establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to address gaps in abortion provider availability and enhance clinic security. The fund will directly support three programs: (1) clinical training for health care professionals to expand access, (2) security grants for facilities facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and (3) loans for reproductive health care facilities. It targets providers in underserved areas, including southern counties with no abortion clinics, as highlighted in a 2023 Rutgers report. The fund will finance these programs using state appropriations and interest earnings, aiming to sustain providers and protect patients.

This bill requires doctors and nurse practitioners specializing in family medicine, obstetrics, or gynecology to ask female patients with flu-like or stomach symptoms specific questions about their menstrual cycle and tampon use. Providers must inquire about active menstrual cycles, recent tampon use, and whether symptoms began during or after tampon use. They must also inform patients about toxic shock syndrome symptoms and offer testing if symptoms align with menstrual cycle timing and tampon use. The law directly affects female patients seeking care for influenza-like or gastroenteritis symptoms in these medical specialties.

S 722, now law as P.L.2025, c.200, requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary treatments for perimenopause and menopause. It directly affects New Jersey residents with health insurance, mandating coverage for specific services like hormone therapy (including HRT), non-hormonal medications, pelvic floor therapy, bone health screenings, and preventive care for related conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease. Insurance plans must cover these treatments "to the same extent as for any other medical condition," with clear information provided to subscribers. The law applies to hospital, medical, health service, and individual insurance policies issued or renewed in New Jersey.