New Jersey § 26:2o-1

§ 26:2o-1.

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. It is estimated that about 5% of the population carries the cystic fibrosis gene,

which currently cannot be detected by any test, and that the number of persons born

with cystic fibrosis who are living to adulthood is increasing; b. The New Jersey State Organization of Cystic Fibrosis has identified at least 60

adults with cystic fibrosis living in New Jersey; however, there are estimates of

as many as 150 to 200; c. These adults, who are afflicted with a chronic hereditary disorder that affects

the lungs and digestive system and causes difficulty in breathing and an inability

to digest foods, have special needs for nutritional and pharmaceutical assistance

that have not been met by previous or existing State programs which serve children

with cystic fibrosis; d. The program of medical care and treatment established pursuant to P.L.1981, c.

289 ( C.26:2-118 ), which provided pharmaceutical assistance to adults with cystic fibrosis became

inoperative because of a lack of funding and was limited in its effectiveness because

many potential service recipients were unaware of the program due to a lack of publicity; e. The State should meet the special needs of adults with cystic fibrosis by helping

them to purchase the supplemental foods that they need and the drugs and medical supplies

and equipment that they require; and f. A Statewide nutritional and pharmaceutical assistance program for adults with cystic

fibrosis will enable these persons to stay in the workforce and continue to be productive

members of the community.