Bill > AJR108

This joint resolution clarifies an exception to the hearsay rule in Rule 803 of the Evidence Rules, specifically regarding statements made for medical diagnosis or treatment. The resolution focuses on expanding the existing medical diagnosis exception to explicitly include statements related to mental health services, such as providing, continuing, or ending treatment. Under the proposed amendment, statements made in good faith for medical diagnosis or treatment can be considered admissible evidence, even if they would typically be considered hearsay. The key change is the insertion of language that specifically mentions mental health services as a valid context for such statements. The resolution follows a statutory procedure that allows the New Jersey Legislature to propose rule changes to the Supreme Court, which can then adopt the amendment through an official order. If adopted by the Supreme Court, the rule change would take effect on the date specified in the court's adoption order. The underlying purpose is to ensure that important medical information, particularly concerning mental health treatment decisions, can be more readily considered in legal proceedings without being excluded due to hearsay restrictions.

Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR108