"Patient Protection Act"; establishes requirements concerning the transfer and referral of certain patients receiving health care services.

New Jersey's A2955 "Patient Protection Act" requires healthcare providers to give patients clear, written information before transferring them to out-of-state facilities or referring them to out-of-state providers. This applies to all patients (or their representatives if they lack capacity) and mandates disclosure of their right to choose in-state care, the clinical reason for the transfer/referral, availability of comparable in-state services, and specific details for trauma/stroke/cardiac cases. Providers must also notify the patient's insurance plan about coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs for out-of-state care. Healthcare facilities and professionals must report quarterly transfers and referrals to the state Department of Health, which will post annual data on transfers, referrals, and complaints. Pediatric care is exempt from these requirements.