NJ A1322

Physicians must offer patients testing for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency before the patient undergoes chemotherapy treatment

DPD deficiency is defined as a disorder where the body has difficulty or cannot break down chemotherapy drugs, leading to harmful reactions

All health insurance policies in New Jersey—including individual, group, small employer plans, and HMO contracts—must cover one DPD deficiency test per year

Insurance plans must also cover prescription drug treatment for DPD deficiency at the same benefit level as other covered conditions

The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, with the Commissioner of Health and Department of Banking and Insurance responsible for implementing regulations