CHAPTER 365

An Act concerning the practice of medicine and surgery and podiatry and supplementing Chapter 5 and Chapter 9 of Title 45 of the Revised Statutes.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

C.45:9-19.17 Medical malpractice liability insurance, letter of credit required for physician; regulations.

    1. a. A physician who maintains a professional medical practice in this State and has responsibility for patient care is required to be covered by medical malpractice liability insurance, or if such liability coverage is not available, by a letter of credit for at least the minimum amount required by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

    The physician shall notify the State Board of Medical Examiners of the name and address of the insurance carrier or the institution issuing the letter of credit, pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1989, c.300 (C.45:9-19.7).

    b.    A physician who is in violation of this section is subject to disciplinary action and civil penalties pursuant to sections 8, 9 and 12 of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-21 to 22 and 45:1-25).

    c.    The State Board of Medical Examiners shall, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt regulations which establish the minimum amount of a line of credit that is required pursuant to this section.

    d.    The State Board of Medical Examiners shall notify all physicians licensed by the board of the requirements of this section within 30 days of the date of enactment of this act.

C.45:5-5.3 Medical malpractice liability insurance, letter of credit required for podiatrist; regulations.

    2. a. A podiatrist who maintains a professional practice in this State and has responsibility for patient care is required to be covered by malpractice liability insurance, or if such liability coverage is not available, by a letter of credit for at least the minimum amount required by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

    The podiatrist shall notify the State Board of Medical Examiners of the name and address of the insurance carrier or the institution issuing the letter of credit, pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1989, c.300 (C.45:9-19.7).

    b.    A podiatrist who is in violation of this section is subject to disciplinary action and civil penalties pursuant to sections 8, 9 and 12 of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-21 to 22 and 45:1-25).

    c.    The State Board of Medical Examiners shall, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt regulations which establish the minimum amount of a line of credit that is required pursuant to this section.

    d.    The State Board of Medical Examiners shall notify all podiatrists licensed by the board of the requirements of this section within 30 days of the date of enactment of this act.

    3.    This act shall take effect on the 60th day after enactment.

    Approved January 19, 1998.