SJR 157 New Jersey Senate · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Clarifies exception to hearsay rule concerning medical diagnosis or treatment for purposes of providing, continuing, or ending mental health services.

This bill amends New Jersey's Rules of Evidence to clarify that statements made for medical diagnosis or treatment, including mental health services, can be used as an exception to the hearsay rule. It specifically allows medical history, symptoms, and causes described in such statements to be admissible in court when making decisions about providing, continuing, or ending mental health care. This change directly affects mental health providers, patients, and legal proceedings involving mental health services. The amendment clarifies existing rules to eliminate confusion about whether medical statements can be used in court for mental health treatment decisions. The change would take effect once adopted by the New Jersey Supreme Court following legislative approval.
Sub-Topics: Mental Health
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 3, 2025 Last action Mar 3, 2025
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Mar 3, 2025
Senate · Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Party
State
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P
Photo of Benjie Wimberly
Benjie Wimberly
DDemocratic
NJ
35