Committee releases ‘Sammy’s Law’ to let designated support people accompany dialysis patients

The Assembly Health Committee on Thursday voted to release A3434, known locally as "Sammy's Law," which would require licensed dialysis centers to permit a designated support person to accompany a patient during dialysis treatment.

Patty Bamba of Carneys Point told the committee she traveled to the State House to advocate for her 29‑year‑old granddaughter, Sammy, who has multiple disabilities and is receiving dialysis. "I'm in the State House to advocate for my granddaughter, Sammy, today so that tomorrow I can go back to advocating at her side," Bamba said, describing instances in which she was denied access to sit beside Sammy during treatments.

Assemblywoman Simmons, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure "requires licensed dialysis centers to permit a patient to be accompanied by a designated support person during their dialysis treatment," adding that facilities may maintain reasonable infection‑control policies but must not unnecessarily restrict access. The bill also would require written policies, staff training and Department of Health oversight with a clear complaint process.

Committee members responded with personal and family references to kidney disease and donation and thanked the family for coming forward. The committee adopted a motion to release the bill for further consideration.

The committee’s action moves A3434 forward in the legislative process; the bill’s sponsors said the measure aims to provide clarity and consistent, patient‑centered standards across dialysis facilities.