SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE, No. 1531

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: NOVEMBER 8, 1996

 

      The Senate Health Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1531.

      This bill amends P.L.1989, c.170 (C.26:2H-12.8 et seq.) by expanding the bill of rights for general hospital patients. A patient's right to considerate and respectful care consistent with sound nursing and medical practices is expanded to include being informed of the name and licensure status of a student nurse or facility staff member who examines, observes or treats the patient.

      Under the provisions of the bill, a general hospital must require a student nurse or facility staff member to wear an identifying badge that includes the person's name and licensure status. If appropriate, the person must verbally identify himself or herself by name and licensure status to the patient and to a guardian or other responsible party, where necessary, prior to examining, observing or treating the patient.