NJ S299

Establishes the "Blue Band Program" in the Office of Maternal and Child Health to distribute blue wristbands to pregnant and postpartum individuals at risk of or diagnosed with preeclampsia, alerting healthcare providers to potential life-threatening complications.

Hospitals and federally qualified health centers may voluntarily opt into the program, which addresses a condition affecting 1 in 25 pregnancies nationwide and identified as a leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality in New Jersey.

Office of Maternal and Child Health must develop educational resources for patients and training materials for healthcare providers including obstetricians, emergency medical personnel, and first responders, available in print and online.

Wristbands cost $0.50-$1.00 each but could save up to $3,446 per case, compared to the $28,603 average incremental cost per mother-infant pair for preeclampsia-related complications.

Annual reports to the Governor and Legislature are required, detailing participating facilities by county and the program's impact on maternal mortality rates.