This bill establishes minimum staffing standards for registered professional nurses in hospitals, ambulatory surgery facilities, and certain Department of Human Services (DHS) facilities in New Jersey. It mandates that the Commissioner of Health adopt regulations to set minimum nurse-to-patient ratios across various patient units, ensuring that these ratios do not decrease from existing standards. The proposed ratios include one registered nurse for every five patients in medical/surgical units, one for every four patients in step-down or telemetry units, and one for every patient under anesthesia in operating rooms, among others. Additionally, the bill requires the implementation of an acuity and staffing system to potentially increase staffing levels above the established minimums, based on patient acuity and other objective criteria.

The bill also outlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing registered nurses, other staff, or the public to file complaints regarding violations of staffing requirements. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with investigating these complaints and ensuring compliance. Furthermore, the bill allows for waivers of minimum staffing requirements in cases of financial distress for hospitals or facilities, with the possibility of revocation if the financial situation improves. Lastly, the Commissioner of Human Services is directed to review and revise staffing standards for registered nurses in developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals to align with safe staffing practices.