The bill aims to enhance the nursing workforce in New Jersey through a series of initiatives and funding allocations. It mandates the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN) to establish a residency program for licensed practical nurses and registered professional nurses, providing necessary support to healthcare facilities. An advisory committee will be formed to oversee the program's implementation. Additionally, the bill transfers oversight of certified nurse aides from the Department of Health to the Board of Nursing and allocates $26.7 million to support these initiatives. It also introduces the Nursing School Expansion Grant Program to increase nursing education capacity and establishes the New Jersey Nursing Emotional Well-Being Institute (NJ-NEW) to promote mental health resources for nurses and their families.

Moreover, the bill includes provisions for regular surveys of healthcare professionals to collect data on demographics and employment status, which will aid in improving workforce data collection. It amends existing laws regarding the certification of personal care assistants and nurse aides, emphasizing the importance of criminal history background checks and the process for disqualification based on criminal history. The legislation also introduces a gross income tax credit for preceptors supervising nursing students and ensures that a minimum of $515,000 from licensing fees is allocated to the NJCCN. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the safety, integrity, and support of the nursing workforce in New Jersey while ensuring accountability and oversight within the healthcare system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:65-92, 18A:65-92.1, 45:11-27.1, 26:2H-12.2, 26:2H-83, 26:2H-84, 26:2H-85, 45:1-28, 52:27D-407, 53:1-20.9, 26:2H-87.1