N.J. Admin. Code § 13:45A-24.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 13:45A-24.2 - Reporting of toy-related injuries

(a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

"Toy" means a plaything or item primarily marketed for the amusement or recreation of children, as well as any article that is designed for use by children, such as a stroller, crib, child-sized furniture, pacifier, teething ring, etc.

"Toy-related injury" means an injury to a person of any age caused or worsened by a toy as defined above; the term does not include an injury which involved a toy but was not directly caused by the toy or worsened by an apparent characteristic of the toy.

(b) Whenever a physician has before him or her a person whose injury or death the physician determines to be or reasonably suspects may be toy-related, the physician or designee shall, as soon as practicable but no later than the next business day, make a report as follows:

1. If the injured person was seen in a private office or non-institutional setting, the physician shall report the toy-related injury to:

Executive Director

Office of Consumer Protection

P.O. Box 45025

124 Halsey Street

Newark, New Jersey 07101

Tel.: (201) 504-6257

2. If the injured person was seen in a licensed health-care facility or other medical treatment center, or on the premises of a health maintenance organization, the physician or designee shall promptly report the injury or death to the medical director of that organization.

3. The medical director shall transmit the information supplied pursuant to (b)2 above as soon as practicable but no later than the next business day to the Office of Consumer Protection at the address set forth in (b)1 above.

(c) The initial report to the Office of Consumer Protection shall be made by telephone during business hours (8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday); the physician or medical director, as applicable, shall then complete a written form provided by the Office of Consumer Protection and shall return it within seven days of receipt to the address set forth in (b)1 above.

(d) The Division Director shall maintain a record of the toy-related injuries or deaths reported by physicians and medical directors and shall:

1. Prepare a report which does not identify either the physician or patient involved;

2. Transmit the information on a regular basis to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; and

3. Make the report available monthly to the public, upon request to the Office of Consumer Protection at the address set forth in (b)1 above. The request shall include a check or money order, payable to "Division of Consumer Affairs," for the processing fee of $ 5.00. Cash will not be accepted.

(e) If upon review of such reports of injury or death, the Director determines that a specific toy may pose an immediate danger to the residents of this State, the Director shall issue a statement warning the public that such reports have been received.

(f) The Director may release the information identifying the physician and/or patient involved solely to an appropriate governmental organization for good cause shown.

(g) Failure by a physician or medical director to report a toy-related injury or death as set forth herein shall be referred by the Director to the attention of the State Board of Medical Examiners, or the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, as applicable.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:45A-24.2