NJ A2645

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 is unable to break down chemotherapy drugs, leading to harmful reactions.

All individual and group health insurance policies, health benefits plans, and HMO contracts in New Jersey must cover one DPD deficiency test per year.

Insurance coverage must also include prescription drug treatment for DPD deficiency, with benefits provided to the same extent as any other medical condition.

The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment, with the Commissioner of Health and Department of Banking and Insurance required to adopt implementing regulations.