Bill
Bill > S2341
NJ S2341
NJ S2341Requires physicians and certain hospital employees to complete training on communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires physicians and certain hospital employees to complete training on communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Under the bill, the State Board of Medical Examiners is to require that the number of credits of continuing medical education required of each person licensed as a physician include one credit of educational programs or topics concerning communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill provides that the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services is to create a dedicated training and outreach unit to develop and administer a training program on communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing for individuals who work in the emergency department of a general hospital licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.). In consultation with the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services, the emergency department of a general hospital licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) is to develop a training protocol on proper communication and treatment of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing for employees who may interact with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing during the course of employment in the emergency department.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that physicians must complete at least one credit hour of continuing medical education focused on communicating with and treating individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as part of their regular licensing renewal process. Additionally, it requires the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, within the Department of Human Services, to establish a specialized unit to create and manage a training program for emergency department staff at general hospitals. These hospitals, in collaboration with the Division, will then develop their own training protocols to ensure their employees, who interact with patients, are equipped to communicate effectively and provide appropriate care to individuals with hearing impairments.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2341 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2341_I1.HTM |
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