ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2444

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 22, 2024

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2444.

      This bill, as amended, requires the Department of Health (DOH) to study racial aspects of ovarian cancer.

      As amended, the bill requires the DOH to evaluate strategies to mitigate disparities in ovarian cancer effects, rates, risk factors, symptoms, and outcomes among women who are members of racial and ethnic groups that are to include but not be limited to:  Asian, African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander.

      Within one year after the bill’s date of enactment, the DOH is to prepare and submit to the Governor and the Legislature a report containing the study's findings and recommendations to address the impact of racial disparities on ovarian cancer rates among women who are members of racial and ethnic minorities.  The bill is to take effect immediately and expire upon the submission of the report.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments shift the focus of the Department of Health’s study from whether differences in ovarian cancer rates exist for women who are members of racial and ethnic minorities, to evaluate strategies to mitigate disparities in ovarian cancer effects, rates, risk factors, symptoms, and outcomes on these women. 

      The committee amendments require the Commissioner of Health’s report to also recommend policies and initiatives to address the impact of racial disparities on ovarian cancer rates among women who are members of racial and ethnic minorities.

            This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.