Bill > S3130

Introduced Session

This bill permits physicians to make referrals to certain surgical centers. Under current law and with limited exceptions, a health care practitioner is generally prohibited from referring a patient or directing an employee of the practitioner to refer a patient to a health care service in which the practitioner, or the practitioner's immediate family, or the practitioner in combination with the practitioner's immediate family has a significant beneficial interest. Under the bill, the above general prohibition does not apply to a referral for a procedure performed at a surgical practice licensed by the Department of Health pursuant to subsection g. of section 12 of P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-12). Under this statute, "surgical practice" means a structure or suite of rooms that has the following characteristics: (1) has no more than one room dedicated for use as an operating room which is specifically equipped to perform surgery, and is designed and constructed to accommodate invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures; (2) has one or more post-anesthesia care units or a dedicated recovery area where the patient may be closely monitored and observed until discharged; and (3) is established by a physician, physician professional association surgical practice, or other professional practice form specified by the State Board of Medical Examiners pursuant to regulation solely for the physician's, association's, or other professional entity's private medical practice.

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Nick Scutari (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document