Recognizing that early intervention is critical when treating sepsis, the Assembly Health Committee today advanced Bill A1950, following heartbreaking testimony from individuals who shared stories of their own personal experiences with the condition. Known as the Stop Sepsis Act, the legislation would require general and special hospitals licensed in the State to establish protocols for the recognition and treatment of patients with sepsis. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywomen Annette Quijano and Carol Murphy, would also direct hospitals to train staff and establish quality measures.
“Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in hospitals and it can escalate incredibly fast if warning signs are missed,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union). “These consequences can be devastating for patients and families. This bill would make sure hospitals across New Jersey are equipped to recognize sepsis earlier, prevent avoidable complications, and deliver timely, lifesaving care.”
Sometimes referred to as “blood poisoning,” sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to infection and can lead to permanent organ damage, cognitive impairment, physical disability, or death. According to data cited by the Sepsis Alliance, an “estimated 350,000 adults die from sepsis every year in the U.S. – one every 90 seconds.”
“By strengthening these protocols and ensuring staff are properly trained, we can help improve outcomes for patients and support hospitals in delivering the highest standard of care possible,” said Assemblywoman Murphy, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee (D-Burlington). “Early recognition and timely treatment can save lives, and this bill reinforces those evidence-based protocols that help clinicians respond quickly in times of need.”
Under the bill, general and special hospitals licensed in New Jersey would be required to establish and maintain evidence-based protocols based on best practices for early recognition and treatment of patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock in adult, geriatric, obstetric, and pediatric patients. The bill would strengthen existing hospital sepsis protocols, improve patient outcomes and improve patient outcomes by placing standards into State law, expanding the types of cases covered, and requiring hospitals to track quality measures related to sepsis care.