N.J. Stat. § 2A:53A-39: Judge may refer medical malpractice action to complementary dispute resolution mechanism.

5. The judge presiding over a medical malpractice action, or the judge's designee, shall, within 30 days after the discovery end date, determine whether referral to a complementary dispute resolution mechanism may encourage early disposition or settlement of the action. If the judge makes such a determination, the matter shall be referred to complementary dispute resolution pursuant to Rule 1:40 of the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the judge to refer an action to complementary dispute resolution prior to the discovery end date.

L.2004,c.17,s.5.