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.
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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Full legislative history
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1
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Committee
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Mar 3, 2025
Senate · Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Benjie Wimberly
DDemocratic
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