by Tom Mongelli
The Hepatitis-B cluster that cost a Toms River doctor his practice 'til further notice sparks remecial legislation in Trenton. Shore-based state Senator Robert Singer (R-30) is crafting a measure that would require intravenous-therapy doctors to register with the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services, and to submit to annual routine inspections by county health officers.
Singer says that the problem with state regulations is a lack of sufficient oversight.
"Doctors' offices are not under the kind of inspection that people believe they are," says Singer, "whether it's infusions, bone marrow biopsies, transfusions or anything along those lines."
The Senate Health Committee member says his bill addresses not only consumer protection, but also the evolving roles of doctors in healthcare coverage.
"Many insurance carriers have turned to doctors' offices because it's less expensive than in a hospital," the Senator says. "That's fine. But someone has to be inspected to make sure those offices meet the criteria."
All inspections and ramifications would be performed under state health department guidelines. But Singer cautions that his aim is protection, not penalties.
"You could be assured," says Singer,"that at least once a year, somebody is coming through the door to check on it."
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