TRENTON, N.J. — If you are diagnosed with a condition or told to take a medicine or even a vaccine you are skeptical of, getting a second opinion could get harder in the near future in New Jersey. That’s because legislators in Trenton are trying to penalize doctors for offering opinions that are different from the ‘science’ of political medicine in the new millennium.
A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature seeks to establish the dissemination of health misinformation by licensed professionals as a form of professional misconduct, subject to disciplinary action. The legislation is aimed at combating the spread of false medical information, which lawmakers say poses risks to public health.
Under the bill, health care professionals found to be spreading misinformation or disinformation could face disciplinary measures, in line with existing state regulations governing professional conduct.
The proposed law would supplement Title 45 of the Revised Statutes and would take effect immediately if enacted.
The bill distinguishes between “misinformation,” which is defined as health-related claims contradicted by scientific consensus, and “disinformation,” described as false information spread with intent to mislead. Health care professionals could face sanctions based on the severity and intent of the misinformation disseminated.
“Each board” overseeing professional licensing in the state will be tasked with developing regulations that outline what constitutes misconduct in this context, as well as determining appropriate penalties, the bill notes.
The sponsor of the bill emphasized that the legislation aims to protect New Jersey residents from harmful and misleading medical advice, particularly during a time of widespread misinformation.