Legislative Response and Clarification
State Senator plans to introduce legislation limiting data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity to patients over 16, criticizing the current mandate for newborns as a waste of resources.
Democrat legislator Herbert Conaway, involved in the original bill, clarified that the law was not intended to require newborns' sexuality data, highlighting bipartisan confusion over the mandate's application.
Hospital and State Health Department Stance
Inspira Health, responsible for the controversial forms, asserts compliance with New Jersey law requiring demographic data collection, including race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation.
The supports the collection of such data in a culturally competent manner, acknowledging the need for clinically appropriate approaches and allowing hospitals some discretion.