ASSEMBLY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND WOMEN'S AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3366

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 13, 2024

      The Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 3366.

      This amended bill establishes a Women’s Menstrual Health Program to identify and assist patients, who have displayed symptoms related to menstrual disorders, for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

      Given the increased health risks associated with endometriosis and PCOS and the number of women impacted by these disorders, the amended bill establishes a Women’s Menstrual Health Program in the Department of Health (department), to identify and assist patients, who have displayed symptoms related to menstrual disorders, for endometriosis and PCOS.

      As amended, this bill requires the department, in accordance with evidence-based industry best practices, guidelines, and screening tools, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or another nationally-recognized body as may be designated by the Commissioner of Health, to:

      (1)  provide education and training to health care providers, hospital staff who encounter patients in emergent situations, and the public concerning menstrual health, menstrual health screening, and menstrual health care; and

      (2)  provide on the department’s Internet website information and resources for health care providers and patients, which will include, but not be limited to:  evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for health care providers for the screening, referral, treatment, and follow-up care of patients, who have displayed symptoms related to menstrual disorders; and educational materials for health care providers and the public concerning menstrual disorders, menstruation-related disorders, and menstruation-related conditions.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to remove the provisions which:

      (1) require the Women’s Menstrual Health Program in the Department of Health, established under the bill, to contract with appropriate health care providers to identify, assist, provide screenings for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, and provide any necessary treatment, follow-up care, and referrals, as appropriate, to patients, who have displayed symptoms related to menstrual disorders; and

      (2)  require the commissioner to collect information on patients, and authorize the use of this information to provide follow up care and to carry out the provisions of the bill.