ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 2197

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 22, 2026

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2197 (1R).

      As reported, 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 provide:

      (1)  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)  information and resources for health care providers and patients, on the department’s website, which include, but are not 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.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) concludes that annual Department of Health expenditures will increase between $90,000 and $500,000 to provide education and training to health care providers, emergency room staff, and the public regarding menstrual health, menstrual health screening, and menstrual health care, and to post information and resources for providers and patients on endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome on the department’s website.

      This estimated range of costs is in line with current funding levels for the department’s public awareness campaigns that are of similar magnitude to the public and professional education and training requirement under the bill.

      To the extent that the department can utilize or adapt educational and training materials already developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or another nationally-recognized entity, the department’s costs to comply with this requirement will be reduced.