HOSPITAL GOVERNANCE MEASURES ARE NOW LAW

New Laws Part of Rationalization in Health Care Resources Recommendations

TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee which address hospital governance in an attempt to keep hospitals competitive in New Jersey was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.

The first bill in the package, S-1794, requires each general hospital in New Jersey to annually conduct a public meeting for the community it serves. The meetings will focus on the delivery of care to the community, and give local residents a chance to form a dialogue with hospitals’ executives to discuss how better to serve the community.

“Our local hospitals serve as safe havens for the residents who live nearby, and they play a vital role in the communities they serve,” said Senator Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, who is a prime sponsor of S-1794. “Hospitals can only continue to provide this necessary care if they are in tune with the needs of residents, so it is imperative that the lines of communication are open between hospital administration and the public.”

HOSPITAL GOVERNANCE MEASURES APPROVED BY HEALTH COMMITTEE

Bills Part of Rationalization in Health Care Resources Recommendations

TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee which would address hospital governance in an attempt to keep hospitals competitive in New Jersey was unanimously approved by the Health Committee today.

“These bills are part of the recommendations set forth by the Reinhardt Commission to Rationalize Health Care Resources in New Jersey,” said Senate Health Committee Chair, Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex. “We spend billions every year to support health care around the State, and we must ensure that we’re spending our health care dollars wisely and efficiently. We need to make sure we’re getting the biggest bang for our buck, and I applaud my Committee members for stepping up to work to fix the problems many hospitals are facing around the Garden State.”

TRENTON – The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus recently held its reorganization meeting to discuss new business and elect officers.  Caucus Chairman Senator Ronald L. Rice, D-Essex, released the following statement regarding the meeting:

            “On behalf of the leadership of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, I want to thank the members for their votes of confidence and support.  During this session, as with the last legislative session, we are vowing to maintain our commitment to our members and to the residents of New Jersey.