SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 576

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 20, 1996

      The Senate Health Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 576.

      This bill requires hospital, medical and health service corporations, commercial insurers and health maintenance organizations that provide coverage for the treatment of any joint of the body to provide treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders ("TMJ") and craniomandibular disorders, if this treatment is prescribed or administered by a physician or dentist.

      Temporomandibular joint disorders and craniomandibular disorders include intra-capsular and extra-capsular injuries, pathologies or diseases affecting the osseous, cartilaginous or other structures of the temporomandibular joints, and covered treatment shall include the surgical and nonsurgical management of disorders affecting the biomechanics of the temporomandibular joints, articular surfaces, supporting structures and associated musculature.