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Bill > A1562


NJ A1562

NJ A1562
Requires health care representative to make health care decisions for incapacitated patient in accordance with patient's religious beliefs.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill amends the "New Jersey Advance Directives for Health Care Act," P.L.1991, c.201 (C.26:2H-53 et seq.), to provide that a designated health care representative shall make health care decisions in accordance with the patient's religious beliefs, as well as in the best interests of the patient, as the law currently provides. The advance directives law provides that an adult may execute an advance directive, which may include a proxy directive designating a competent adult to act as his health care representative and an instruction directive, stating his general treatment philosophy and objectives or his specific wishes regarding the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of any form of health care, including life-sustaining treatment.

AI Summary

This bill amends the New Jersey Advance Directives for Health Care Act to require that a designated health care representative, who makes medical decisions for a patient unable to make them for themselves, must consider the patient's religious beliefs when making those decisions, in addition to acting in the patient's best interests. An advance directive is a legal document where an adult can appoint someone to be their health care representative and outline their wishes for medical treatment, including life-sustaining care.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

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

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