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Bill > A452


NJ A452

NJ A452
Requires 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
In Committee
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, a requirement overseen by the State Board of Medical Examiners. Additionally, the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, within the Department of Human Services, will establish a specialized unit to create and manage a training program for emergency department staff at general hospitals, ensuring these employees are equipped to properly communicate with and treat patients with hearing impairments, with hospitals developing their own specific training protocols in collaboration with the Division.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Regulated Professions Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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