This bill mandates that general hospitals in New Jersey, which provide surgical services for breast cancer treatment, must inform patients about their rights regarding reconstructive surgery. Specifically, hospitals are required to provide written notice to breast cancer patients about their right to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon of their choice, regardless of the surgeon's affiliation with the hospital or health care provider network. The notice must include information on treatment options, the use of prosthetics, and the availability of coverage for reconstructive surgery under various state and federal laws. This information must be given to patients upon their breast cancer diagnosis and before they consent to any surgical procedures.

Additionally, the bill prohibits managed care plan contracts from including provisions that restrict health care providers from recommending board-certified plastic surgeons for reconstructive services based on network affiliation. It ensures that health care providers can make referrals based on the patient's clinical needs without limitations imposed by the carrier. Furthermore, carriers are not allowed to deny requests for reconstructive surgery based solely on the network status of the plastic surgeon. The bill aims to enhance patient access to necessary reconstructive services following breast cancer treatment and to ensure that patients are well-informed about their options.