Ruiz Bills Signed into Law

Trenton –Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz, regarding maternal care, end of life care and community development, were signed into law today.

“I have always felt that improving the quality of life for all New Jerseyans should be a driving force behind the legislation we pursue,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “I am encouraged to see the signing of multiple pieces of legislation that do just that. I am thankful I have fellow legislators who share in this vision and helped me put these bills on the Governor’s desk and that he saw the value in signing them into law.”

The following bills were signed into law:

• S.1109 – Permits physician assistants to sign and modify POLST forms, requires continuing education concerning end-of-life care and renames “Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Act” as “Practitioners Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Act”.

• S.3212 – Permits municipalities to establish temporary supplemental zoning boards of adjustment to address application backlogs.

• S.3376 – Requires the DOH to establish the “My Life, My Plan” program to support women of childbearing age in developing reproductive life plans. The program resources will be accessible online and could include interactive educational materials tailored to a woman’s values and reproductive goals.