Sepsis Alliance Applauds Introduction of New Jersey Senate Bill 1151 to Standardize Sepsis Protocols in Hospitals
October 17, 2025
Sepsis Alliance commends the introduction of New Jersey Senate Bill 1151 (S1151), a critical step forward in the fight against sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that affects over 1.7 million people in the U.S. each year, killing 350,000 adults and 6,800 children. If enacted, the legislation will standardize the way hospitals across New Jersey identify and treat sepsis, saving lives and improving patient outcomes.
Sponsored by Senator Raj Mukherji, S1151, and in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, A2455, the legislation requires all hospitals in the state to adopt, implement, and regularly update evidence-based sepsis protocols that are aligned with nationally accepted standards of care. These protocols must include components specific to both adult and pediatric populations, with clear distinctions where treatment approaches differ.
The bill also mandates hospitals to:
- Submit sepsis protocols to the New Jersey Department of Health for review and oversight.
- Establish processes for early screening, rapid diagnosis, and timely intervention to ensure effective management.
- Promote transparency through reporting and continuous evaluation.
“Sepsis is a medical emergency that cannot wait,” said Thomas Heymann, President and CEO of Sepsis Alliance, and a New Jersey resident. “By standardizing sepsis protocols across all hospitals in the state, this legislation ensures that every patient, regardless of age or zip code, has access to timely, evidence-based care that can mean the difference between life and death.”
Each hour of delayed treatment increases the risk of death from sepsis by 4-9%. Standardized protocols:
- Enable faster recognition and treatment, saving lives.
- Reduce healthcare costs by preventing complications and shortening ICU stays.
- Promote health equity by ensuring consistent care statewide.
- Improve accountability through the New Jersey Department of Health oversight and reporting.
This is not the first time Sepsis Alliance has played a key role in advancing sepsis legislation. In 2024, the organization was instrumental in the passage of Lochlin’s Law in Maryland. Named in honor of a young boy lost to sepsis, Lochlin’s Law mandates sepsis protocols and staff training in hospitals and urgent care centers. The law is now helping to protect patients across Maryland from delayed or inconsistent care.
Sepsis Alliance is dedicated to collaborating with healthcare systems, frontline clinicians, and legislative leaders nationwide to improve outcomes. Additionally, Sepsis Alliance is dedicated to elevating the voices of sepsis survivors and loved ones to ensure patient-centered policymaking, such as S1151 in New Jersey and Lochlin’s Law in Maryland.
For more information about sepsis or to learn how to get involved, visit www.SepsisVoices.org. If you are a New Jersey Resident, please tell your lawmaker to support SB1151/A2455 by clicking here.
UPDATE: November 13, 2025
Sepsis Alliance is pleased to announce that S1151 had a hearing before the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee on Thursday, November 13 at 1:00 PM.
At this hearing, Sepsis Alliance President and CEO, Thomas Heymann, provided testimony about the importance of this measure to save lives from sepsis in New Jersey. He was joined by Sepsis Alliance Chief Medical Officer, Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, CIC, CPHQ, CPPS, FACOI, FACP, FIDSA, FAPIC, and Sepsis Alliance Board Member, Lukas Haynes, all New Jersey residents.
After their compelling testimony, the Committee unanimously voted to advance Senate Bill 1151.
UPDATE: March 26, 2026
This morning, S1151 successfully passed out of the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens committee. It will now head to the Assembly for their committee review process. It will now be identified as S2884.
We will keep our New Jersey advocates updated on the bill’s movement and let them know when your voice is needed again. There will be opportunities to submit additional testimony, contact lawmakers, and support efforts as the bill moves through the Assembly later this session.
Are you a New Jersey resident hoping to get involved? Email Kate at kwasson@sepsis.org.
