ASSEMBLY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND WOMEN'S AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2197

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 4, 2026

      The Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2197.

      As amended, this 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 such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

      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 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.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to:

      (1) Remove a definition of “endometriosis” from the bill;

      (2) Remove supplementary legislative findings and declarations from the bill and instead amend previously codified legislative findings and declarations relating to menstrual disorders; and

      (3) Make clarifying and technical changes to the bill and the title of the bill.