26:5C-2. Legislative findings

The Legislature finds that:

a. The effective identification, diagnosis, care and treatment of persons who have contracted acquired immune deficiency syndrome, commonly known as "AIDS," is of paramount public importance;

b. AIDS is thought to be the result of a virus or other highly infectious agent which may be spread through bodily secretions, especially blood and semen, or through an as yet unidentified method of transmission;

c. The AIDS organism is responsible for the near total collapse of the body's immune system, resulting in the susceptibility to cancer and other fatal infections;

d. AIDS although first diagnosed in homosexual men is now striking so many groups such as drug users, hemophiliacs, persons who have received blood transfusions and Haitians, that its course is currently unpredictable;

e. The spread of AIDS may be impossible to stop because the AIDS organism can be dormant for months before it manifests symptoms and because the incubation period ranges from six months to two years;

f. People who have already been infected might not be aware of their exposure and may unknowingly infect hundreds more individuals;

g. Resultantly, the outbreak of AIDS has reached alarming proportions because of its highly contagious nature with New Jersey ranking fourth in the nation of the number of reported cases.

The Legislature further finds that researchers have no conclusive evidence regarding the detection, treatment, cure or prevention of AIDS; that many health care professionals are not yet familiar with the symptoms or treatment techniques of AIDS; that most victims are not aware that they have been exposed to AIDS and therefore infect others; that accordingly, the magnitude of the AIDS outbreak has not yet been realized.

Therefore, the Legislature declares that it is imperative that programs be established for diagnosing and treating persons who have been exposed to AIDS, referring AIDS victims and their families to sources of treatment and counseling, and providing an educational program to health care professionals to heighten their awareness of the latest diagnostic procedures and treatment. The Legislature further declares that a task force be established to coordinate the medical and social services needed by AIDS victims.

L.1984, c. 126, s. 2, eff. Aug. 8, 1984.