Findings, declarations

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.