New Jersey Patient Care & Access Coalition Winter 2014

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

by referring urologists in Sico, who shepherded the bill lithotripsy-only entities like through the process; Mary Beth NJPCAC member The Stone Guilbert and Kelly Snyder from Center of . A 2009 The Stone Center, who took amendment to the Codey Act time from their busy day to barred such new ownership, but travel to Trenton and explain

was inconsistent in that it the issue to Governor Codey permitted new ownership in and Senator Joe Vitale, the Ambulatory Surgical Centers Chairman of the Senate Health providing lithotripsy. Early last Committee; and all of our year, we made a decision to try NJPCAC members who Dr. David Taylor and change the law to make it reached out to legislators to ask President & Chairman consistent. for their support for the measure. Dear NJPCAC Member: The yearlong process from decision to final enactment went I, of course, am also grateful to I have heard the expression that so smoothly that it reminded me Governor Codey, Senator “watching our laws being made of anything other than sausage Vitale and Assembly Health is a lot like watching sausage making. Committee Chairman Dr. Herb being made.” Conaway, who sponsored the When we explained the inherent bill in the Assembly, for all of Well, having been an eyewitness unfairness of the 2009 their help and support. to a change in the law we have amendments to Legislators they long sought, I have to disagree. both understood and were Sincerely, In fact, it was more like sitting anxious to help. Even the author down to a gourmet meal. of The Codey Act himself - Governor (Senator) Richard

As you will read elsewhere in Codey. Dr. David Taylor our Winter Newsletter, Governor President & Chairman earlier this month I want to personally thank our signed into law legislation counsel, Howard Rubin, who amending New Jersey’s “Codey assisted in drafting the Act” to allow for new ownership legislation; our lobbyist, Donald

The New Jersey Patient Care and Access Coalition (NJPCAC) promotes and represents the common interests of urological care physicians in the State of New Jersey who are dedicated to the highest standards of practice and focuses on addressing the challenges that confront our healthcare system. NJPCAC’s membership includes nearly 200 practicing urologists and scores of additional healthcare professionals, including radiation oncologists, pathologists, nurses and administrative staff, who have come together to educate policy makers, regulators, insurers and other key stakeholders, including patients and peers about regulatory changes that will adversely affect the quality and accessibility to care provided to patients in New Jersey and those that will advance care in New Jersey. NJPCAC promotes and pursues educational, legislative and regulatory interests that are common to these urological care physicians and the advancement of patient care and access in the State of New Jersey.

Winter 2014 – Page 2

Lithotripsy Bill June 10, 2013: Identical legislation - A4222 - introduced in the Assembly by Becomes Law Assemblyman

November 18, 2013: A4222 reported from On Monday January 13th Governor Chris Assembly Health and Senior Services Christie signed into law S2779/A4222 Committee by a vote of 9-0. Committee (Vitale/Codey/Conaway/Benson/Munoz/Handl members Daniel Benson, and in) - “Allows practitioner with financial Amy Handlin added as sponsors. interest in health care service providing lithotripsy to refer patients to that health care December 19, 2013: S2779 passed by the service if certain conditions are met.” The Senate by a vote of 37-0. Chapter Law number is P.L. 2013, c.178 and it is effective immediately. December 19, 2013: S2779 received in the Assembly and merged with A4222 and then This is a tremendous victory for our Coalition passed by the Assembly by a vote of 79-0. and further evidence of the effectiveness of our Bill is sent to the Governor for his team and our strategy. We were extraordinarily consideration. successful at every level throughout the yearlong process to change the law. The January 13, 2014: S2779/A4222 signed into legislation received unanimous votes in both law by Governor Chris Christie. the Senate and Assembly Health Committees and before the full Senate and Assembly as well. Governor Christie signed the bill less than a month after its final passage by the Assembly on December 19th.

This was truly a team effort by NJPCAC. Everyone who took the time to come to Trenton to attend meetings and testify before the committees as well as those who attended meetings with and called Legislators made a big difference.

The law took effect immediately upon Dr. Taylor testifies before the Assembly Health Governor Christie signing it. Committee with NJPCAC Lobbyist Donald Sico

Here is a Timeline of the Bill:

May 20, 2013: S2779 introduced in the Senate by Senators Joe Vitale and Richard Codey

June 3, 2013: S2779 reported from the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee by a vote of 10-0

Winter 2014 – Page 3

Meet the New Legislators NANCY PINKIN BRINGS HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE TO ASSEMBLY

BARNES ASSUMES ROLE AS NEW 18TH East Brunswick Councilwoman DISTRICT SENATOR Nancy Pinkin was sworn in as

Senator Peter J. Barnes III the newest member of the 18th was sworn into the New Legislative District in the New Jersey State Senate on Jersey General Assembly on January 14th after seven January 14th.

years in the General "I am thankful to the voters who Assembly. He will continue placed their confidence in me. to represent the people of Serving in elected office is a privilege and the 18th Legislative district. responsibility I hold in the highest regard," said

"I am honored that my constituents have asked Pinkin (D-Middlesex). "As the newest 18th me to continue to represent them in Trenton, district representative, I look forward to working now as their elected State Senator," said Senator with my fellow colleagues in the Assembly and Barnes. "I am looking forward to starting this tapping into my experience in health care and new chapter in the Senate.” prudent fiscal management.”

The 18th Legislative District consists of the Pinkin runs her own healthcare and association Middlesex County communities of East management consulting firm, Pinkin Associates, Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Highland Park, Inc., and has an extensive background in Metuchen, South Plainfield and South River in healthcare administration, with an expertise in Middlesex County. ambulatory care and medical practice management. She is also the Executive Director BORN: April 26, 1956 of the Middlesex and Mercer County Medical EDUCATION: B.A. Gettysburg College Societies. (Political Science); M.B.A. Fairleigh Dickinson University (Management); J.D. Widener Assemblywoman Pinkin is a member of University School of Law numerous professional organizations including OCCUPATION: Attorney, Law Offices of Peter the American College of Healthcare Executives. Barnes The 18th district covers East Brunswick, Edison, PUBLIC/PARTY SERVICE: Twp of Edison Helmetta, Highland Park, Metuchen, South Municipal Council 1996-2007, Planning Board Plainfield and South River.

2001-03 BORN: August 4 LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: Senate 2014- EDUCATION: A.A.S. Middlesex County present; General Assembly 2007-13, Majority College (Applied Science); B.S. Rutgers Whip 2010-13 University; M.P.A. New York University COMMITTEES: Economic Growth, Vice-Chair; (Public/Health Administration); University of Budget and Appropriations; State Government, Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (Health Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Policy and Research) PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat

Winter 2014 – Page 4

(Asw. Pinkin, Continued from Page 3) SWORN IN TO OCCUPATION: Health Consultant & Association REPRESENT 38TH DISTRICT Management, Pinkin Associates, Inc. PUBLIC/PARTY SERVICE: East Brunswick Assemblyman Joseph Township Council 2005-present, President 2006- Lagana received the oath of 08; East Brunswick Planning Board 2005, 08-09 office from Assembly LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: General Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on 2014-present January 14th to become one PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat of the newest members of the General Assembly, NORTHFIELD MAYOR representing the 38th JOINS ASSEMBLY FROM 2ND DISTRICT legislative district.

Northfield City Mayor Vince "It is truly an honor to be able to serve the Mazzeo has been sworn in as residents of the 38th legislative district in the the newest representative of General Assembly," said Lagana (D-Bergen, the 2nd Legislative District in Passaic). "My experience at the local level the New Jersey General helped me gain first-hand knowledge of the Assembly on January 14th. struggles facing everyday families in our state such as affordability, unemployment, and "I am grateful to the voters property taxes, just to name a few.” who entrusted me with the opportunity to serve them in The 38th District includes the towns of the legislature," said Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). "As Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hasbrouck Mayor of Northfield, I have worked tirelessly to Heights, Hawthorne, Lodi, Maywood, New give residents a transparent and open Milford, Oradell, Paramus, River Edge, Rochelle government that strives to preserve our quality of Park, Saddle Brook. life and save taxpayers money.”

BORN: December 15, 1978 Mazzeo was elected to the Northfield City EDUCATION: B.A. Fordham University Council in 2003, and subsequently as mayor in (History); J.D. Thomas M. Cooley Law School 2007. Mazzeo has been a part of his family's OCCUPATION: Attorney, Chasan, Leyner & fruit and produce business, B.F. Mazzeo, for Lamparello, P.C. nearly 30 years. PUBLIC/PARTY SERVICE: Borough of

The 2nd district includes Absecon, Atlantic City, Paramus Council President 2012-2013 Brigantine, Buena, Buena Vista, Egg Harbor LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: General Assembly City, Egg Harbor Township, Folsom, Hamilton 2014-present (Atlantic), Linwood, Longport, Margate City, PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat Mullica, Northfield, Pleasantville, Somers Point and Ventnor City. Additional biographical information on Asm. Mazzeo was not available at press time.

Winter 2014 – Page 5

MARIA RODRIGUEZ-GREGG SWORN BORN: October 1 INTO GENERAL ASSEMBLY EDUCATION: St. Augustine Prep; Widener FROM 8TH DISTRICT University OCCUPATION: Legislator Assemblywoman Maria PUBLIC/PARTY SERVICE: Cumberland Rodriguez-Gregg took the County Board of Chosen Freeholders 2011-13, oath of office today, City of Vineland Zoning Board 2009-11 joining the General LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: General Assembly Assembly representing the 2014-present 8th Legislative District PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican (Burlington, Atlantic and Camden). TAKES OATH OF OFFICE IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY "I am honored to represent the residents of the 8th District in Trenton. I welcome the Robert Auth was sworn into the opportunity to work hard to bring new and better General Assembly January 14th, jobs to New Jersey, and make our state more representing Legislative District affordable for struggling families and seniors," 39 (Bergen and Passaic). said Rodriguez-Gregg. Additional biographical information on Assemblywoman Rodriguez- "It is an honor to serve in the Gregg was not available at press time. General Assembly, representing the hard-working people of SAM FIOCCHI INSTALLED TO District 39," said Auth. "I REPRESENT DISTRICT 1 IN appreciate the opportunity to fight for their THE ASSEMBLY interests, and the interests of all New Jersey residents. Sam Fiocchi took the oath of office on January 14th for his Auth, the founder and CEO of Plaza Travel and first term representing Insurance Services, resides in Old Tappan with Legislative District 1 in the his wife, Elsa. General Assembly. EDUCATION: B.A. New York University "This is an honor and a (History/Philosophy) responsibility that I take very OCCUPATION: Chief Executive Officer, Plaza seriously. As a business Travel and Insurance Services Ltd. owner, former county official, and local PUBLIC/PARTY SERVICE: Teacher, North volunteer, I understand what works in New Bergen Board of Education, 2004-06 Jersey, and what we can do better," said Fiocchi. LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: General Assembly 2014-present Fiocchi served four years on the Cumberland PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Winter 2014 – Page 6

CARMELO GARCIA AND RAJ individualized Master of Liberal Arts focused on MUKHERJI TAKE OATH OF OFFICE IN national security from the University of GENERAL ASSEMBLY Pennsylvania, and a law degree (Juris Doctor), cum laude, from Seton Hall Law School. Carmelo G. Garcia and were sworn-in to represent the 33rd Legislative Carmelo G. Garcia District during the New Jersey General BORN: April 5, 1975 Assembly reorganization meeting on January EDUCATION: 14th. B.S. Seton Hall University (Criminal Justice/ The 33rd Legislative District includes the Sociology); M.S. Stevens Hudson County municipalities of Hoboken, Institute of Technology Union City, Weehawken, and a portion of Jersey (Information Systems/ City. Management) OCCUPATION: Executive Director, City of "It is an honor to represent the people of Hudson Hoboken Housing Authority County as a member of the Assembly," said PUBLIC/PARTY SERVICE: Hoboken Board of Garcia (D-Hudson). "I look forward to working Education 2002-present, N.J. Democratic State on issues that are important to our residents. Committee 2002-05 LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: General Assembly "I am proud to take part in building a better New 2014-present Jersey from the seat in the General Assembly," PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat said Mukherji (D-Hudson). "There is much work to do this session. My colleagues and I are ready Raj Mukherji to hit the ground running on behalf of Hudson BORN: July 15, 1984 County and the people of New Jersey." EDUCATION: B.A. Thomas Edison State Mr. Garcia worked as a Legislative Aide for the College; M.L.A. University of County of Hudson Board of Chosen Freeholders Pennsylvania; J.D. Seton Hall then served as Chief of Staff, from 1999-2011. Law School OCCUPATION: Healthcare Raj Mukherji founded an Internet consulting and Investments software development company while in middle PUBLIC/PARTY SERVICE: Jersey City school, grew it, and later sold it to a larger Housing Authority Chairman, 2008-Present; technology company to join the Marines two Jersey City Deputy Mayor 2012-13 weeks after 9 / 11 at age 17, where he served in MILITARY SERVICE: U.S. Marine Corps military intelligence for the Marine Corps Reserve, Sergeant Reserve. As a young entrepreneur, he withdrew LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: General Assembly from high school at 15 to enroll in an early 2014-present college program at Bard College at Simon's PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat Rock and eventually earned a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State College, an

Winter 2014 – Page 7

Prieto detailed the following agenda: New Speaker Takes Office * Controlling property taxes. Prieto noted a net 20 The New Jersey General percent increase in property taxes over the last four Assembly has elected a new years. Speaker for the 216th Legislative Session - "That's a failed system that is crushing our middle- Vincent Prieto of Secaucus. class and poor," Prieto said. "We can tinker around He replaces Sheila Oliver the edges, throw about criticisms and avoid tough from Newark who served as conversations, but that's not my style. It's time to Speaker for the past four reduce the brutal property tax burden crushing our years. middle-class and poor."

Born in 1960 in Cuba, Speaker Prieto came to the * Combating poverty. He noted U.S. Census United States when he was 10. Mr. Prieto received figures show 1.35 million New Jerseyans now his certification in construction code technology living in poverty. from Middlesex County College; and his certification in fire code technology from Bergen "We're going to take a hard look at this problem," County Community College. He is a construction Prieto said. "The Assembly has taken the lead in code official in Secaucus. recent years on legislation to make housing more affordable and create better-paying jobs, and we Mr. Prieto and his wife, Marlene, have two will not waver." children: Amanda and Vincent Andrew. * Earned sick leave. Prieto noted how when a Mr. Prieto represents the 32nd Legislative District, serious illness arises, many New Jersey workers which includes the Bergen County municipalities face a brutal choice – stay home and risk losing of Edgewater and Fairview; and the Hudson their job or go to work sick because they lack County municipalities of East Newark, Guttenberg, financial security. He said earned sick leave for all Harrison, Kearny, North Bergen, Secaucus and workers would help combat this dilemma. West New York. "Earned sick leave means stronger families, Assemblyman Prieto took the oath as New Jersey's stronger workplaces and stronger communities," 170th Assembly Speaker on Tuesday January 14th. Prieto said. "I want it to become law." In his address to the Assembly he promised to put the Assembly's focus on tackling the nation's * Targeting soaring higher education costs. highest property taxes and soaring higher "We cannot allow the weakening of tuition aid education, combating the state's shocking poverty grants to continue if we want better futures for rate, improving vocational education and providing middle-class and lower-income children," Prieto all New Jersey workers with earned sick leave. said. "We will take another look at the tuition study

"I know what it's like to struggle to make ends commission to address the college affordability meet, to wonder where the next meal will be found crisis." and to worry about keeping a warm roof above * Improved vocational education throughout the one's head," Prieto said. "I know how a helping state. (Continued on Page 8) hand can lead to giants steps forward, and that's why a more affordable New Jersey is my goal."

Winter 2014 – Page 8

(Speaker Prieto, Continued from Page 7) "Vocational training can lead to apprenticeships The Assembly committee changes from an 11- and job opportunities in the trades for our youth member committee to a 12-member committee who otherwise may be unemployed and adding to with an 8-4, Democrat to Republican split. the poverty problem," he said. "Improving Assemblyman Fuentes works at Cooper Hospital vocational education for our next generation is as a “Patient Relations Specialist” and common sense in today's economy." Assemblyman Cryan is a Union County Undersheriff. New Health Committees Named Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Citizens (Group2) Speaker Vincent Prieto have named the Vitale, Joseph F. Chair membership of the Assembly Health and Senior Madden, Fred H. Vice-Chair Services Committee and the Senate Health, Human Addiego, Dawn Marie Services and Senior Citizens Committee. Dr. Herb Allen, Diane B. Conaway and Senator Joseph Vitale remain as Codey, Richard J. Chairs of the two committees. Gordon, Robert M. Pennacchio, Joseph Assembly Health and Senior Services Rice, Ronald L. (GroupA) Singer, Robert W. Conaway, Herb - Chair Whelan, Jim Benson, Daniel R. - Vice Chair Angelini, Mary Pat Old Committee Cryan, Joseph Vitale, Joseph F. Eustace, Timothy J. Madden, Fred H. Fuentes, Angel Addiego, Dawn Marie Green, Jerry Allen, Diane B. Handlin, Amy H. Buono, Barbara Jimenez, Angelica M. Gordon, Robert M. Munoz, Nancy F. Rice, Ronald L. Peterson, Erik Singer, Robert W. Sumter, Shavonda E. Thompson, Samuel Whelan, Jim Old Committee Conaway, Herb The Committee remains a 10-member committee Benson, Daniel R. with a 6-4 Democrat to Republican split. Governor Angelini, Mary Pat Codey replaces Senator Barbara Buono, who ran Jimenez, Angelica M. for Governor, and Senator Pennacchio replaces Sumter, Shavonda E. Senator Thompson, who joined the Senate Budget Green, Jerry and Appropriations Committee. Governor Codey is Munoz, Nancy F. a former funeral home director who now lists his Handlin, Amy current occupation as “insurance consultant” and Peterson, Erik Senator Pennacchio is a dentist. Eustace, Timothy J. Tucker, Cleopatra G.

Winter 2014 – Page 9

So what can we expect from the new 216th Legislature?

Well, for the most part, not much has changed.

Yes, there is a new Speaker of the General Assembly - Vincent Prieto of Hudson County -

and there are a handful of new members with just one new Senator. (See article on New Members of the Legislature on Pages 3-7 for profiles of the Advocacy Update new speaker and the newly elected members.) Senate President Steve Sweeney was reelected

By Donald Sico, Donald Sico & Co. LLC by his colleagues to a third term in that post. And the Majority Leaders in both houses - Senator The 215th Legislative Session is history and the and Assemblyman Lou 216th has commenced. Greenwald remain the same.

The 215th Legislature was one of the most active The Chairs of the Health Committees remain the in history. Spurred to advocacy by SuperStorm same: Senator Joe Vitale and Assemblyman Dr. Sandy and the horrible shooting at Sandy Hook Herb Conaway remain at the helm. Elementary School in Newtown, CT, Legislators introduced a total of 8,463 bills and resolutions From a policy perspective, the Governor during the two year term. Even with that number emphasized property tax relief, education and of bill introductions, they fell short of the record crime in his State of the State and Inaugural for the most number of bills and resolutions messages. With regards to health care issues, we introduced in a legislative session which was can expect to see Affordable Care Act 9,101 during the 1988-1989 legislative session. implementation issues addressed as well as two issues that the Legislature addressed but did not Governor Chris Christie did set a record, complete in the last session: Out of Network however. During the two-year 215th Legislature, reform and Ambulatory Surgical Center the Governor vetoed 164 bills sent to him by the licensing. Legislature – breaking his own record of 138 vetoes set during the 2010-2011 legislative And, of course, the New Jersey Patient Care and session. While records only go back to 1988, it is Access Coalition will always be mindful and believed that no governor has come close. And vigilant about efforts to restrict our integrated not a single one of the Governor’s vetoes was model of care. overridden by the Legislature.

Winter 2014 – Page 10

Calling All New Jersey Urologists

We are always looking to expand the New Jersey Patient Care and Access Coalition because we understand there is “strength in numbers.” We recently completed a mailing to every urologist in the State of New Jersey and asked them to join our growing Coalition. If you know of a colleague who is not a member, please invite him or her to join and to take a look at our webpage (www.njpcac.org) for additional information. There is also a membership application form on the webpage they can use to contact us if they want to join.

New Jersey Patient Care and Access Coalition

830 Morris Turnpike, Suite 303 Short Hills, New Jersey 07078-2608 866-244-9682 / [email protected]